Media centre

Tuesday 21 May 2019

One week to go! Midland Main Line passengers reminded of six days of changes to train journeys

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail and East Midlands Trains are reminding passengers on the Midland Main Line to plan ahead and check before travelling as major work takes place as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade.

From Tuesday, 28 May, to Sunday, 2 June (inclusive) there will be no train services to, from or through Market Harborough station and instead, coach replacement services and diversionary routes for trains will be in operation. This will mean longer journey times, so passengers are urged to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/mhr2019.

Train services will resume at Market Harborough station on Monday, 3 June after Network Rail engineers have successfully tied in almost 4km of newly laid track to the existing railway. This will straighten up the rail line through the station, enabling trains to travel at higher speeds. A new accessible footbridge at the station will also open on this date.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This major piece of work as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade begins in just a week.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind all passengers planning on travelling to, from or through Market Harborough to plan ahead and to check before they travel.

“This is an important investment into the railway in Leicestershire which will benefit passengers travelling along all of the Midland Main Line. We do understand that this work will be disruptive and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience whilst this takes place.”

Jake Kelly, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “With only one week to go until the improvement works start at Market Harborough, we are advising any passengers who are planning to travel to or from London St Pancras between 28 May and 2 June to check www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/mhr2019 to see how their journey will be affected. 

“We appreciate that the works will disrupt our passengers during this time; however it will significantly improve Market Harborough station and the service we are able to provide for passengers along the Midland Main Line in the future."

Work to the station will continue, with full project completion in December 2019.

ENDS