Network Rail is reminding Midland Main Line passengers to check before they travel this weekend as engineering work between Leicester and Kettering will disrupt journeys.

The upgrade work, taking place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, will prepare for electrification, and is the next step in delivering the Midland Main Line Upgrade, which aims to make the railway more sustainable and to contribute to the government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Engineers will demolish Warners Bridge in Leicestershire to allow overhead wires to be installed at the correct height for electric and bi-mode trains to run on the line.

Workers will also carry out drainage work on the route, as part of preparations for lowering the track to accommodate overhead electric wires.

Also on Sunday 6 August, track renewal work will take place between Alfreton and Chesterfield. Northern Trains services between Sheffield and Nottingham will be replaced by buses calling at intermediate stations – Dronfield, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Langley Mill, and Ilkeston. EMR services between Sheffield and Nottingham will divert, and will not stop at Alfreton.

The main changes to journeys are:

• Trains from Sheffield and Nottingham to London St Pancras will divert via Corby.
• Trains will not stop at Market Harborough, so buses will replace trains between Leicester, Market Harborough, and Kettering.
• EMR Connect services will not run to Corby and will start and terminate at Wellingborough station.
• Northern Trains services between Sheffield and Nottingham will be replaced by buses on Sunday 6 August.
• Train will not run between Chesterfield and Alfreton stations, and replacement buses will call at Dronfield, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Langley Mill, and Ilkeston.
• EMR services will run between Sheffield and Nottingham but will not call at Alfreton.

Passengers can find more information on the EMR website.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route, said: “This work is essential for us to be able to deliver the next stage of the Midland Main Line Upgrade. The electrification of the line will allow for a more sustainable railway and quieter journeys for passengers and those living nearby.

“We’re encouraging passengers to check before they travel with their train operator or via the National Rail Enquiries website, and we want to thank passengers for their understanding ahead of this work.”

Dave Meredith, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway said: “We are asking any customers planning to travel to or from London this weekend to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

“Our trains will be unable to call at Market Harborough station and rail replacement buses will keep passengers moving between Kettering and Market Harborough and Market Harborough and Leicester.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the engineering work along the Midland Main Line is taking place.”