Railway improvement work taking place between Leicester and Kettering will affect journeys over the next two weekends (6-7 and 13-14 June).
Network Rail is carrying out renewal of drainage systems at Great Bowden and renewing a switch and crossing – the section of track allowing trains to switch between lines – at Leicester South Junction.
It means buses will replace CrossCountry services between Birmingham and Leicester over both weekends.*
East Midlands Railway (EMR) will have one train per hour between Nottingham/Sheffield and London St Pancras, with rail replacement buses in operation between Kettering and Leicester, calling at Market Harborough.**
The work at Great Bowden will see more than 200 metres of the drainage system renewed to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support safer, more reliable services. An under-track crossing – allowing utilities to pass safely beneath the line – will also be upgraded.
The renewal of the life-expired switch and crossing at Leicester South Junction will also help deliver smoother, more reliable journeys, as well as reducing future faults and maintenance.
Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director, said:
“This work between Leicester and Kettering is vital to keeping the railway safe and reliable for passengers and freight. By renewing drainage at Great Bowden and replacing track components at Leicester South Junction, we’re reducing the risk of flooding, improving reliability and cutting down on future maintenance.
“We’re sorry to anyone whose journey is affected, and we thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these important upgrades.”
A spokesperson for CrossCountry and EMR said:
“We’re working together to keep customers moving while Network Rail carries out these important upgrades. During the work, some services will be amended and rail replacement buses will be in operation, so we strongly encourage customers to plan ahead and check before they travel.”
Visit National Rail or your train operator’s website for full details of travel arrangements.
Image credit: Network Rail
