A new footbridge over the railway at Kibworth near Market Harborough in Leicestershire has been opened as part of the project to electrify the Midland Main Line.

The original bridge on School Road in Kibworth had to be demolished as there was insufficient clearance underneath it for the erection of overhead electric wires.

The new replacement bridge provides sufficient clearance at the required height for the overhead lines that will power East Midlands Railway’s new bi-mode trains as part of the Midland Main Line upgrade.

To maintain safe access to shops and local schools whilst construction of the new bridge was taking place, Network Rail installed a temporary footbridge.

In nearby Newton Harcourt, Network Rail has completed work at a bridge in Wistow Road, but is continuing to rebuild a bridge in Newton Lane to increase its height sufficiently to allow installation of overhead wires underneath it.

Network Rail estimates that work should be completed by mid-June, but Leicestershire County Council is keeping the road closure in place at the site until work has been completed at other sites in the area.

I am delighted that work has been completed on the installation of a new footbridge in Kibworth. This is a vital link in the village and this new structure will provide safe access across the Midland Main Line for years to come.

The work we have completed at School Road bridge and at other sites in the area will allow overhead wires to pass underneath the bridge, leading to smoother, greener journeys for passengers along our East Midlands route.

I would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while the work was ongoing.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands Route