The Network Rail has announced that the latest phase of the Midland Main Line Upgrade will begin next week as a major road bridge, in Bedford, is reconstructed.

Ford End Road bridge will be raised to allow the safe clearance of electric wires which will pass beneath as it works towards electrifying the route between London, Kettering and Corby.

Once completed, it will allow the Midland Main Line will create the capacity to allow more trains to run and more people to travel along the length of the route from Sheffield through to London.

Due to the work, Ford End Road bridge will be closed to motorists from 9 am on Monday 19th February until August. The sign posted diversion will be in place and pedestrian access will be maintained.

What did the officials say?

Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director at Network Rail, said: “We are making the biggest investment in the Midland Main Line since it was first built in the 1870s and this upgrade will allow more trains to run along the route.

“As part of this upgrade, significant changes are needed to many parts of the railway infrastructure to allow overhead lines to be installed. This work is vital to delivering the railway of the future but such work does bring short-term disruption to some communities near the railway.

“We’ve done as much improvement work to Ford End Road bridge as we can, but now we need a full road closure to complete the work. We’ve worked closely with Bedford Borough Council and other stakeholders to keep minimise disruption and we’d like to apologise for any disruption caused.”

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