The engineers at Network Rail have successfully reached a major milestone in the reconstruction of two road bridges in Northamptonshire, as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade.
The heights of Higham Road bridge in Wellingborough and Station Road bridge in Isham have now been raised. This will allow overhead line equipment to pass safely underneath the structures as the line from London to Kettering and Corby becomes electrified.
The bridge decks were successfully installed on both bridges last weekend (11/12 May) and were moved into position using 1200 tonne cranes. Both bridges remain closed to vehicles and Network Rail engineers will now begin work to the parapets and the roads before they reopen in Autumn.
Network Rail is also beginning work at Kettering railway station this month. From Saturday, 18 May, workers will begin to extend the platforms at the station. this is to allow for longer trains with more seats to call at the station. Work is also to take place on the canopies over the platforms.
What did the officials say?
Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said:
“We are happy to reach this major milestone in the reconstruction of these two bridges, as it brings us another step closer to providing more comfortable journeys for passengers and re-opening the road for motorists.
“We understand that this work continues to cause some disruption to drivers and residents in the area and we would like to thank them for their patience whist this work takes place.
“Work will now begin to extend the platforms at Kettering station, which will enable bigger trains with more seats to call at the station. This upgrade will mean we can continue to provide a railway which meets the needs of the passengers, communities and economies we serve.”
An East Midlands Trains spokesperson said:
“The works to extend platforms and trim back the canopies at Kettering will not affect East Midlands Trains services, but we would like to remind our customers to be mindful of the works taking place and continue to take care when travelling through the station.”
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Cannot understand why it is taking 9 months to complete the work. It’s causing lots of issues on the A45 with a contra flow .
Why can’t network rail work 24/7 to avoid such delays and issues.
Seems to be standard practice to take 9 months.just like the Wellingborough to findon road bridge a few months ago. When challenged with Network rail about the time taking their reply was. Could only work week days because it would disturb residents. Their are no residents near only industrial estates.
I really think network rail offer very poor service too many fat cats.
It’s a shame network rail do not support their customers.
What about improving Wellingborough station as part of the upgrade. Including adding a new platform on the slow lines that is to be upgraded and to allow faster trains to pass through the station on the fast tracks on the Midland Main Line.
Will there be future plans to extend the electrification further beyond Kettering and Market Harborough to Leicester, Nottingham and Derby. Aswell new trains that will be built for the Midland Main Line once the MML electrification is completed.
quite an interesting article on a GW loco but some of the wording seems to be missing.
Is this shoddy journalism or is it a loss of real interest in what railadvent is meant to be about?
There appears to be 2 such locos, each carrying the same number. Is this possible?
I despair.
Hi Alistair,
Thanks for your comment.
This article is about Northamptonshire bridges and not GWR locos.
Is this a mistake on your behalf, if not, can you point me in the right direction of the article and i can make sure mistakes, if any, are sorted.
Regards
Michael