A major milestone has been hit as Network Rail teams have successfully electrified the line between Kettering and Wigston, allowing for greener and quieter journeys along the Midland Main Line in the future.
On Sunday 28 July, 25,000 volts of electricity was switched on between Kettering and Wigston as work continues on the wider Midland Main Line Upgrade to provide passengers with more reliable, faster, and greener journeys.
The wires will power new bi-mode (diesel and electric) trains through the area in the future, resulting in quieter journeys for passengers and residents living near the railway.
Network Rail is electrifying the railway as part of the multi-million-pound Midland Main Line upgrade.
Now the lines are live, residents are being reminded of Network Rail’s ‘Always On!’ campaign and the consequences of trespassing on the railway.
Ahead of the electrification, Wigston fire service has received additional training on how to safely respond to emergencies on the railway.
These were held at East Langton substation, which is one of the three new substations that is providing power to the route.
The sessions were delivered by Network Rail and SPL Powerlines teams. Fire crews were able to examine the overhead lines and substation to understand the potential dangers of live power lines and how to best manage these in an emergency.
Electrifying the Midland Main Line will help reach Network Rail’s net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
Chris Morgan-Jones, senior project engineer for Network Rail’s East Midlands route said: “Electrifying the line between Kettering and Wigston is a major milestone in the wider Midland Main Line project, allowing for more greener and quieter journeys for passengers travelling through the area.
“Safety is Network Rail’s top priority, and while this is a huge moment for the project, we want to remind residents of the potential risks of overhead power lines. These wires carry 25,000 volts of electricity and make trespassing on the railway even more dangerous.
“We would like to thank passengers and residents for their patience and understanding while we have been electrifying this part of the route.”
Simon Skinner, engineering director for SPL Powerlines added: “A major milestone was completed over the weekend, extending the overhead wires to Wigston, just shy of Leicester Station. New overhead line equipment has been installed over a 36km stretch of the Midland Main Line allowing passengers to benefit from greener journeys, on quieter trains in the future.
“This is SPL Powerlines’ second major commissioning on the Midland Main Line in 4 years, both on time and under budget, accounting for a total distance of overhead wires nearing 300km.
“The commissioning works also adds resilience with the introduction of a Braybrooke Feeder Station. The New feeder station feeds 25,000 Volts to Corby and down to Sharnbrook, ensuring that existing and future train services are more reliable and can be more frequent.”
Image credit: Network Rail
