The 36km section of the Midland Main Line from Kettering to Wigston has been electrified, marking a significant milestone in the Midland Main Line Upgrade project. The electrification enables bi-mode trains to operate, facilitating more sustainable travel options. Safety training for fire services was conducted to handle emergencies involving new infrastructure. Network Rail promotes rail safety amidst increased trespassing incidents. The completion highlights the commitment to enhancing rail network efficiency and reliability.
The Midland Main Line has seen substantial progress with the electrification of the 36km stretch running from Kettering to Wigston. This section, now powered by 25,000V, forms part of a wider scheme aimed at modernising the rail network to support bi-mode trains, which can run on both diesel and electric power. The completion of this project marks a pivotal development in the ongoing Midland Main Line Upgrade, underscoring efforts to provide greener and quieter journeys for passengers.
In anticipation of potential risks associated with the newly electrified line, extensive safety preparations were undertaken. The Wigston fire service received essential training at the East Langton substation, one of three new substations installed along the 36km route. This training, conducted by Network Rail in collaboration with SPL Powerlines, equipped fire crews with the knowledge necessary to manage emergencies involving live power lines, a critical measure given the 25,000V carried by these overhead wires.
Network Rail has emphasised the importance of rail safety through its ‘Always On’ campaign, which is particularly pertinent as reports indicate over 19,300 trespass incidents on the rail network during the 2023/24 financial year. The campaign aims to alert the public to the dangers of trespassing, especially with the added risks posed by electrification. Network Rail’s senior project engineer, Chris Morgan-Jones, highlighted the significance of the project as a major step towards achieving the organisation’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
SPL Powerlines has played a crucial role in the electrification efforts, having previously managed similar projects along the Midland Main Line. With the recent extension of overhead wires to Wigston, the company continues to demonstrate its capability in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects both on time and under budget. This milestone has also introduced a new Braybrooke Feeder Station, enhancing the reliability and frequency of train services from Corby down to Sharnbrook.
Additional infrastructure improvements accompany the electrification project, particularly the work on bridges along the Kettering to Wigston route. Several bridges required modifications, including the lowering of tracks and in some cases, demolition and reconstruction, to accommodate the new electrified lines. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to ensure that the rail network can support increased traffic and offer improved service levels.
The electrification of this section of the Midland Main Line signifies a major advancement in the quest for a more sustainable and efficient rail network.
