Media centre

Monday 3 Jun 2019

Rail services resume as major upgrade to Leicestershire’s railway successfully completed

Region & Route:

Eastern

Rail passengers will once again be able to travel to, from and through Market Harborough station as a significant stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade has completed on schedule.

Train services have now resumed following six days of major engineering work which saw Network Rail connect almost 4km of newly laid track into the existing alignment. This has created a straighter rail line through the station and will enable trains to travel at higher speeds. A new accessible footbridge which will widen travel opportunities for more people has also opened today.

To allow this work to take place safely, no trains were able to run on this portion of the line and instead, coach replacement and diversionary routes were in place to keep passengers moving.

The work was a key part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which is the biggest investment into the line since the Victorian era.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this vital stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade has now completed and that passengers are once more able to use Market Harborough station.

“We know that this work has caused some disruption and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience. Network Rail and East Midlands Trains have worked together to keep passengers moving and get this vital project, which will improve journeys for all passenger using the Midland Main Line, completed.

“Today also marks the opening of a new, accessible footbridge at the station which will make travelling much easier and improve passenger experience.”

Lisa Angus, Franchise Programmes Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “We are really pleased that Market Harborough station is back open from today and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of our customers.

“Customers in Market Harborough can now use the footbridge, lifts and the extended platforms which make it easier for passengers to get on and off the train. Later this year, we will also open the larger car park, providing an additional 200 spaces.

“The improvements are also good news for customers across the Midland Main Line as the newly aligned, straighter track allows for quicker journeys between London St Pancras, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.”

Tom Goshawk, Capital Projects Manager at D2N2, said: “D2N2 is pleased to see the completion of the track realignment works at Market Harborough. These works provide improvements to the infrastructure on the Midland Main Line and will be beneficial to all passengers by improving rail connectivity in the East Midlands.”

Kevin Harris, Chair of the LLEP, said: “The Midland Mainline upgrade work at Market Harborough station has been part funded with a £3m grant from the Local Growth Fund via the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

 “We are pleased to support this project which enables faster non-stop journey times between London St. Pancras, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield.  This is good news for commuters and the shorter travel time to London is a major factor for businesses investing in the region.”

Work will continue at Market Harborough station until December 2019 and will see 200 additional car parking spaces created.

ENDS