Network Rail has released information about the benefits provided by its Midland Main Line Electrification programme.
The publicly-owned infrastructure company argues that the programme is delivering “lasting benefits” for rail freight.
The electrification work will strengthen the line, which is one of the most important cross‑country freight routes in the UK.
The Midland corridor provides direct inland links between the West and East Coast Main Lines, and inland terminals in the Midlands.
It allows freight services to avoid going through London by providing a route between Birmingham, Nuneaton, Leicester and Peterborough. However, the route is struggling to meet the needs of larger container trains, so improvement works are necessary.
Network Rail expects the electrification of the line to enable greater flexibility for freight operators.
The government paused the electrification programme last summer. However, structural work already completed between Sileby, Loughborough and Trent had provided the foundation and space needed by larger freight containers.
Network Rail then identified further structural work on the Midland Main Line that would help to increase its capacity for carrying freight, including replacing the Kirk Hill bridge at Sutton Bonington, Nottinghamshire.
Network Rail demolished the old bridge over the 2025 festive period when trains were not running. The new deck was lifted into place during overnight weekend possessions in February and March this year. Larger container services began running under the bridge in April.
The new bridge provides extra clearance for larger‑gauge freight trains and for electric or bi‑mode trains.
By facilitating more freight to travel by rail, it also assists in cutting congestion on the road. In addition, the bridge enables tamping machines to access the site, which will help to remove a long‑standing speed restriction.
Network Rail carried out detailed gauging analysis, which has enabled larger freight containers to use more routes across the East Midlands.
Further work will be carried out at Kirk Hill, including on parapets, drainage and reinstating utilities.
“We’re really pleased to keep the momentum going on the Midland Main Line by working with freight partners to rebuild Kirk Hill bridge. It opens up a more direct route for larger containers and gives operators greater flexibility and reliability.
“By taking a fresh look at what the existing railway can handle, we’ve unlocked real benefits for freight, passengers and the wider economy – without the need for big new spending.
“Kirk Hill shows what can be achieved by upgrading older infrastructure: removing long-standing constraints, enabling larger freight trains and keeping the route ready for future electrification, all while keeping disruption to a minimum.”
Katie Oliver, Network Rail lead portfolio manager
Responses
Hopefully the new bridge will be high enough for any future OLE installation
Only Network Rail could try and make a success story out of an abandoned electrification scheme. Abandoned in basically the middle of nowhere South Wigston ….never even made Leicester Station.
It seems the failure of Network Rail to complete on-time and within budget (or put another way part delivered {failed to reach Bristol , failed to reach Oxford} Years Late and £Millions overspent) the Great Western Electrification Programme continues to frighten off further electrification schemes in England ..
It still needs to be electrified from South Winston, Leicestershire to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield whether if the electrification on the Midland Main Line can still continue. And with the Class 810 Aurora IETs that are in service.
South Wigston*