Network Rail has released an update on the Ivanhoe Line project, which is set to have an Outline Business Case by the end of the year
The Ivanhoe Line project would see passenger trains return to Coalville, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and Swadlincote/Castle Gresley, with connections to Derby or Burton for the first time since the 1960s.
Due to the freight usage on the line between Coalville and Leicester, the project does not currently extend to Leicester due to the infrastructure investment needed.
However, should the service prove a success, the reconnection to Leicester could be part of a future project.
Mike Smith, Network Rail's Programme Director for the Restoring Your Railways project, said: “Network Rail is working to further develop the Ivanhoe Line project. The development stage is set to culminate around the end of the year, with the production of an Outline Business Case to be considered alongside the Department for Transport.
“Reopening the Ivanhoe Line to passenger traffic would see towns such as Coalville, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and Swadlincote/Castle Gresley reconnected to each other and the wider national rail network at Derby or Burton for the first time since the 1960s.
“Currently, the project is not extending to Leicester. Due to current freight usage on the single-track line between Coalville and Leicester, the introduction of a new passenger service connecting to Leicester station and operating alongside these freight services is likely to require significant infrastructure investment. However, this reconnection could form part of a separate future project, should the initial Ivanhoe service prove to be a success.
“If the current proposals go ahead, the project will see three new stations built at Castle Gresley, Ashby, and Coalville. The project has identified several options at each of these sites, which will be narrowed down to a single preferred option by the end of the year.”
The reconnection to the national network would surely be at Burton as the Ivanhoe line runs directly into Burton. Trains would connect to the main cross country line from Plymouth to Edinburgh with other connections via Birmingham to the south
Could Ashby be linked to the Tamworth or East Midlands train stations to assist with links to London and Manchester?
Line between colville and leicester most would want rebuilding due to switch back nature of the trank some doubling would be needed and a factory in the way at knighton north plus lins occupation from Leicester also platform occupation at Leicester
Ooh, What’s a trank? Sounds like fun to me.
Leicester is a must…!!
So many people work in Leicester from this area and bus services are abysmal…!!
The use of private cars into Leicester at peak times, along with Soulsby’s anti car use, means Car Parking costs a premium nowadays … and how long before Leicester has a ULEZ scheme..!!
Please look again at the Leicester end…not many freight trains actually traverse the route..!
The problem with the Coalville to Leicester section, is the absence of the north curve at Knighton JCN. The land was sold off and built on.
If the money was available, the buildings could be shifted, and the curve re- instated. Then double track may be needed. Unless Passing Loops would suffice (the freight trains are not run very often)
The ivanhoe line needs to re-open to passenger traffic
By 2030.
I hope the decision makers give it the funding needed to start work by 2026
There are only two or three freight trains per day at the most Proposed new station in Leicester close to main line because freeman’s common was built over part of the line to Leicester Station. I think they could reopen this part with out it costing too much. Need to increase the main line to 4 tracks as it use to be from Wigston to Syston and possibly add another platform at Leicester Station