Upgrade work to a bridge near Kettering will get underway this weekend, on the 10th and 11th September.

This upgrade will allow for quieter electric trains to be introduced on this part of the Midland Main Line.

Pipewell Road bridge which carries road traffic over the line, needs to be raised to allow for the new power lines to be installed in the future.

This electrification project is part of the wider Midland Main Line Upgrade, which aims to reduce carbon on the route.

In late June, work began to prepare the central arch for replacement, which will take place over the weekend.

Some changes to services will occur to allow the safe replacement of the bridge, so passengers are being advised to check before they travel on the National Rail Enquiries website.

Further work such as installing the deck, carriageway and safety barrier will be completed by December. The road across the bridge will be closed until the 5th December.

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director at Network Rail, said: “The new bridge is necessary to prepare for the next phases of electrifying the Midland Main Line, which will bring cleaner and more reliable journeys between London and important urban centres such as Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield.
“I’d like to thank our industry partners, passengers and the community for their support, and remind people to check before they travel this weekend.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for EMR, said: “We are asking any customers travelling this weekend to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.
“We have a reduced train service operating on both our Intercity route and our Connect route, as well as some rail replacement buses between Kettering and Market Harborough, Market Harborough and Leicester. Full details can be found on the EMR website.
“We would like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst the engineering work along the Midland Main Line is taking place.”