Starting next Friday, 13th January, a bridge at Great Glen near Oadby in Leicestershire is to be closed to road traffic so that it can be raised to provide sufficient clearance for the installation of overhead electric wires as part of the multi-million-pound Midland Main Line electrification programme.

The work is part of the electrification of the line between Kettering and Wigston. It is scheduled to be completed by late July, and to allow it to take place safely, Station Road in Great Glen will be closed between Newton Lane and Kibworth Road. During the closure and as part of the project, the road will be reconstructed for approximately 50 metres on either side of the bridge.

Reconstruction of the bridge will raise it by just over half a metre, which will provide enough room for the overhead line equipment needed for electric and hybrid trains to use the line underneath the bridge.

The Midland Main Line electrification programme is part of the Government’s ambitions for decarbonisation, and will ultimately give passengers a greener way to travel whilst providing a quieter and cleaner railway for those who live next to it.

To keep disruption to a minimum, Network Rail has worked closely with Leicestershire County Council and has ensured that a signposted diversion is in place.

Further information about the Midland Main Line electrification project at can be found at its dedicated webpage at Midland Main Line Upgrade – Network Rail

Gary Walsh, East Midlands Route Director for Network Rail said:”This important piece of work will help us to eventually electrify the route between Kettering and Wigston to deliver a cleaner, greener railway that’s fit for the future.

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience over the coming months and we’ll continue to work with Leicestershire County Council to reduce the impact of our work.”