Network Rail has issued a safety warning ahead of the new Midland Main Line power lines being switched on in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.
On Sunday 28 July, 25,000 volts will be powered between Kettering and Wigston. This makes it the latest section of the Midland Main Line to go live.
Network Rail engineers carry out wiring work on the Midland Main Line
© Network Rail
This electrification will enable new bi-mode trains to be introduced on the line in the future to provide more reliable, quieter and sustainable journeys.
To electrify this section, SPL Powerlines installed 36 kilometres of new overhead cables. What’s more, specialist teams set up three new substations to power the new electric trains, modified 18 bridges to accommodate the overhead lines, and installed over 1,100 steel and concrete piles.
“The electrification of the stretch of line between Kettering to Wigston is a major milestone for the wider Midland Main Line upgrade which will see greener, faster, and quieter journeys for customers travelling between the East Midlands and London.
“Engineers have worked incredibly hard on this part of the project, with 36km of overhead cables and 1,100 stanchions to hold them in place installed.”
Network Rail is electrifying the railway as part of the multi-million-pound Midland Main Line upgrade.
The Midland Main Line runs from London St Pancras to Sheffield. Engineers electrified the first section of the route between London and Corby in 2021.