Wednesday 1 May 2019
The countdown is on! Rail passengers urged to plan ahead with less than a month to go until major milestone in Midland Main Line Upgrade
- Region & Route:
- Eastern
Network Rail is reminding passengers in the Leicestershire to plan ahead as a significant stage in the Midland Main Line Upgrade will begin later this month.
Between Tuesday, 28 May and Sunday, 2 June (inclusive) no trains will be able to run on the line through Market Harborough station, meaning changes to services in the region.
Timetables for the amended services were released in April and passengers are urged to check before they travel via a dedicated website, www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/mhr2019, which has been produced by Network Rail and East Midlands Trains.
This portion of the line needs to be closed to allow Network Rail engineers to safely connect 3.8km of newly laid track to the existing railway. Once completed, the line through the station will be straighter, enabling trains to travel through at higher speeds.
Train services will resume as normal on Monday, 3 June, which is the same date that a new accessible footbridge which is currently being installed at Market Harborough station will open, which will improve accessibility at the station. Network Rail has released time-lapse footage showing the first stage of work to install the footbridge.
Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said: “We are urging passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel as a key part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade is fast approaching.
“To allow this work to take place safely, no trains will be able to run through Market Harborough station. We are working closely with East Midlands Trains to keep people moving and to keep disruption to a minimum and we thank all those who will be impacted for their understanding and patience.
“The work at Market Harborough is a vital part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade and will ensure we can continue to provide a railway which meets the needs of the communities and economies we serve.”
Jake Kelly, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “As we approach the major disruption which will take place over six days between May 28 and June 2, we are advising passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel at www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/mhr2019.
“For any Market Harborough passengers, a replacement coach service will be in place during this time, as no train services will run to or from the station.
“For any other passengers travelling on the Midland Main Line, the impact on your journey will vary depending on where you are travelling to and from, and your journey may take longer.
“We thank our passengers for their patience and understanding during this time”.
ENDS
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