The section of newly installed overhead power lines on the Midland Mainline between Kettering and South Wigston were switched by Network Rail last Sunday, 28th July.

The completion of this section of electrification will allow for more reliable, greener and quieter journeys in the future.

25,000 volts of electricity are transmitted through the overhead power equipment as work progresses on the extensive Midland Main Line Upgrade.

In the future, the wires will energize new bi-mode trains, both diesel and electric, facilitating quieter travel for passengers and those residing near the railway.

With the lines now active, residents are being reminded about Network Rail’s ‘Always On!’ campaign and the dangers associated with trespassing on the railway, with such incidents seeming to be on the rise across the midlands.

Ahead of the electrification, Wigston fire service has received additional training on how to safely respond to emergencies on the railway.

These were held at East Langton substation, which is one of the three new substations that is providing power to the route.

The sessions were delivered by Network Rail and SPL Powerlines teams. Fire crews were able to examine the overhead lines and substation to understand the potential dangers of live power lines and how to best manage these in an emergency.

Electrifying the Midland Main Line will help reach Network Rail’s net zero carbon emissions target by 2050.

“Electrifying the line between Kettering and Wigston is a major milestone in the wider Midland Main Line project, allowing for more greener and quieter journeys for passengers travelling through the area.

“Safety is Network Rail’s top priority, and while this is a huge moment for the project, we want to remind residents of the potential risks of overhead power lines. These wires carry 25,000 volts of electricity and make trespassing on the railway even more dangerous.

“We would like to thank passengers and residents for their patience and understanding while we have been electrifying this part of the route.”

Chris Morgan-Jones, senior project engineer for Network Rail’s East Midlands route

“A major milestone was completed over the weekend, extending the overhead wires to Wigston, just shy of Leicester Station. New overhead line equipment has been installed over a 36km stretch of the Midland Main Line allowing passengers to benefit from greener journeys, on quieter trains in the future.

“This is SPL Powerlines’ second major commissioning on the Midland Main Line in 4 years, both on time and under budget, accounting for a total distance of overhead wires nearing 300km.

“The commissioning works also adds resilience with the introduction of a Braybrooke Feeder Station. The New feeder station feeds 25,000 Volts to Corby and down to Sharnbrook, ensuring that existing and future train services are more reliable and can be more frequent.”

Simon Skinner, Engineering Director for SPL Powerlines

To find out more about the Network Rail’s ‘Always On!’ safety campaign visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/safety-in-the-community/railway-safety-campaigns/always-on/