Next Phase Of Work To Electrify Railway Beguns

The next phase of the electrification of the railway through the Harborough area has begun.

Network Rail has begun pile-driving to lay the foundations for masts, which will hold the wires on the 12-mile stretch of tracks between Market Harborough and Wigston, including through The Langtons and Kibworth.

The steel columns will be driven as deep as seven metres into the ground, to lay the foundations for the overhead line equipment needed to power electric and bi-mode trains in the future.

Pic: Network Rail

Most of the work will be done overnight when there are no trains running and people living near the railway will be informed when it is taking place.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Starting this next phase of work is a huge step forward for the Midland Main Line Upgrade. It adds to the important work we’ve already completed to transform journeys between London and Corby, and sees us work towards a fully electrified route.

“We’re excited to offer passengers a more reliable, greener railway which is fit for the future, encourages more people to travel by train, and supports economic growth along the way.”

This latest programme of piling will run until August 2023 to ready the line for electric wires to be installed throughout 2023.