In preparation for the overhead lines on the section of the Midland Main Line between Kettering and Wigston being electrified being energised, people living near the railway are being reminded of the potential risks of electrocution.

The switch on of the 25,000 volts supply will take place on Sunday, 28th July.

The project has involved installing a complex web of overhead cables to power new electric trains for the East Midlands in the future.

Once the multi-million-pound electrification of the Midland Main Line is complete, new bi-mode (diesel and electric) trains will be introduced that provide quieter journeys for passengers and those living near the line when running on electricity.

Residents are being warned about the dangers surrounding the overhead power lines that carry 25,000V of electricity and reminded to never trespass on the tracks as they pose an even greater risk to life and limb.

Saturday, 27th July

• There will be no trains between Kettering and Wigston and reduced services from Sheffield / Nottingham to London St Pancras.
• Rail-replacement bus services will operate between Leicester, Market Harborough, and Kettering, and between Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough, South Wigston and Leicester.

Sunday, 28th July

• There will be no trains between Leicester and Bedford and no direct service from Sheffield / Nottingham to London St Pancras.
• A reduced service will operate between Sheffield / Nottingham and Corby.
• Trains from London St Pancras will terminate at Wellingborough.
• Rail-replacement bus services will operate from Leicester / Corby to Wellingborough for connection with trains to London St Pancras.
• Replacement bus services will also serve passengers travelling to / from Kettering and Market Harborough.
• Rail-replacement bus services will operate between Leicester, Market Harborough, and Kettering, and between Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough, South Wigston and Leicester.

Network Rail has visited schools in the area to raise awareness that overhead wires are Always On!

The visits explained the dangers of trespassing on the railway and the new threat of the overhead line equipment and the devastating consequences of getting too close or coming into contact with them.

More information about how the Midland Main Line will be Always On! can be found here.

Safety is our top priority and we’ve already delivered our presentation to hundreds of young people in schools and at community events. The sessions are doing a fantastic job at highlighting the very real dangers of playing and trespassing on the railway.

The sessions focus on safety and young people learn more about the overhead line equipment which is used to power trains. Once installed, electrified wires are always switched on – even when there are no trains passing. They carry 25,000 volts of electricity, which can be fatal. Our message is simple never trespass on the railway for any reason.

Hayley Manners, Network Rail East Midlands route community safety manager

The electrification of the stretch of line between Kettering to Wigston is a major milestone for the wider Midland Main Line upgrade which will see greener, faster, and quieter journeys for customers travelling between the East Midlands and London.

Engineers have worked incredibly hard on this part of the project, with 36km of overhead cables and 1,100 stanchions to hold them in place installed.

Delivering this project has not been without some changes to train services and overnight work and I would like to thank passengers and lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding while we have been preparing the route for electrification.

Gavin Crook, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail East Midlands route