Media centre

Tuesday 28 May 2019

Passengers urged to plan ahead as six days of major work on Midland Main Line begins today

Region & Route:

Eastern

Network Rail engineers have today (Tuesday, 28 May) started a significant stage of work to the railway line in Market Harborough as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which will mean changes to train services for passengers using the route. 

Over the next six days, Network Rail engineers will work round the clock to connect almost 4km of newly laid track to the existing alignment, providing a straighter railway line through the station which will enable trains to pass through the area at higher speeds.

Workers will also complete the construction of a new, accessible footbridge at the station, which will open up travel opportunities for more people. Engineers will also finish work to extend platforms at the station, which will allow more trains with more seats to call there.

This work means that no trains are able to travel to, from or through Market Harborough station. All services will resume ready for the start of service on Monday, 3 June. Until this time, East Midlands Trains are running coach replacement services between Market Harborough and Leicester and Market Harborough and Kettering. Diversionary routes for trains will also be in operation, which may mean longer journey times for passengers.

Passengers are urged to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or by visiting www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/mhr2019

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We are urging passengers to check before they travel as we begin work to tie in the new track alignment to the existing railway.

“This is a vital stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade which, once completed will benefit all users of the route. This work does mean no train services in this area over six days, so we are urging passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel.

“We would like to thank all those affected for their patience whilst this vital work takes place and reassure them that we are working incredibly closely with East Midlands Trains to keep passengers moving.”

Jake Kelly, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains said: “We are advising any passengers who are planning to travel to or from London St Pancras this week to check www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/mhr2019 to see how their journey will be affected. 

“Whilst the work is taking place at Market Harborough station, the section of the Midland Main Line which runs between Kettering and Leicester will be closed. Trains will divert around Market Harborough and we are running a replacement coach service to help keep passengers moving.

“We will be doing everything we can to look after passengers throughout the week and we thank everyone for their patience during this time”.

ENDS