Tuesday 30 Apr 2013
Work starts to deliver quicker journeys on the Midland Main Line
- Region & Route:
Three bridges in Northamptonshire are to be rebuilt by Network Rail as part of a £70 million investment to speed up journey times on the line between London and Sheffield.
Once complete, the new bridges will provide the extra headroom needed for trains to travel at higher speeds, when the forces involved mean trains tilt to one side as they pass through curved sections of track.
Network Rail would normally provide the additional clearance by lowering the track level under the bridges. However, rebuilding the bridges will provide the space needed for trains to travel faster as well as room needed for future installation of overhead line equipment as part of the proposed electrification of the line between Bedford and Sheffield, providing better value for money and minimising disruption.
The work will require the temporary closure of the affected bridges from five weeks up to 14 weeks, and Network Rail is working closely with the Highways Agency, Northamptonshire County Council and Kettering Borough Council to minimise disruption and provide travel advice to those affected. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained for the vast majority of the time.
The three bridges affected are:
• Finedon Station Road bridge, Burton Latimer – closed 03rd June to 03rd September 2013
• A bridle road bridge near Rushton – closed 04th October to 13th November 2013
• Pytchley Road bridge, Kettering – closed 09th December 2013 to 28th February 2014
A fourth bridge close to Kettering Venture Park will be demolished as it is no longer in use.
Justin Page, Network Rail acting route managing director, said: “This work will deliver quicker journeys for the ever-growing number of passengers on the Midland Main Line, helping to bring the region’s biggest economies closer together. Our longer-term plans to upgrade and electrify the line will transform our diesel railway into one of the most modern in Europe providing more seats, even faster journeys, and cleaner and quieter trains.
“We thank people in advance for their patience and will continue to work closely with Northamptonshire County Council, Kettering Borough Council and the Highways Agency as we continue our plans to build a better railway for the East Midlands.”
Notes to editors
1. Network Rail has notified residents and will be working with local authorities and Highways Agency to raise awareness of diversionary routes and set up drop-in sessions for local communities. Details are available on www.roadworks.org and residents are encouraged to contact Network Rail’s 24 hour helpline on 08457 11 41 41 if they have any questions or tweet @NetworkRail
2. Network Rail is increasing the line speeds on the Midland Main Line as part of a commitment to speed up journeys and will cut up to 8 minutes between London and Sheffield. Line speed increases are being made between Leicester and Trent South Junction, on the line to Kettering, around the Toton area, and between Nottingham and Sheffield. Two bridges are also being rebuilt in the Leicestershire area.
3. Network Rail plans to upgrade and electrify the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Sheffield, subject to approval from the Office of Rail Regulation in October 2013. This investment would see more seats, quicker journeys and cleaner and quieter trains. Current plans are to electrify to Corby by 2017, to Leicester, Derby and Nottingham in 2019 and to Sheffield in 2020.
4. The bridges are being rebuilt together with the line speed improvements to reduce taxpayer costs and help minimise disruption. The opportunity has been taken as Network Rail proposes to start electrification work on the line from 2014.
Contact information
Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41
Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries
Journalists
Network Rail press office -London North Eastern & East Midlands route
01904 383180
mediarelations@networkrail.co.uk
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