MILESTONE APPROACHES IN PROJECT TO ELECTRIFY RAILWAY

Engineers are preparing to reach the half-way stage in the electrification of the railway through the Harborough area.

By next week over 600 of the foundations for masts to carry wires will have been installed on the stretch of track between Kettering and Wigston.

At the same time Network Rail teams are continuing to clear way for equipment by cutting back overhanging lineside vegetation between Kibworth and Market Harborough.

To allow this work to take place safely, no trains will call at Market Harborough station this Sunday, with buses replacing services between Market Harborough and Kettering / Leicester.

Foundations ready to be installed Pic: Network Rail

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail said: “Installing half of our foundations is a significant milestone which takes us one step closer to delivering a cleaner, greener railway for both passengers and our lineside neighbours.

“We’re packing in as much work as we can over the weekend and there will be some changes to services through Market Harborough. Please plan ahead, check your journey before setting off and allow extra time.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR said: “We are asking any customers planning to travel to or from London on Sunday 29 January to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

“Our trains will be unable to call at Market Harborough station on Sunday 29 January and our Intercity services to and from London will be diverted via Melton Mowbray and Corby. Our EMR Connect services will only run between London and Wellingborough.

“Rail Replacement buses will keep passengers moving between Market Harborough and Kettering / Leicester.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the engineering work along the Midland Main Line is taking place.”

Pic: Network Rail