Network Rail has reached a milestone in electrifying the Midland Main Line by demolishing the final bridge on the Kettering to Wigston stretch, paving the way for the installation of new overhead wires.

Over the weekend of 18 and 19 May, engineers successfully demolished the Three Arches bridge near Market Harborough to allow for new wires to be installed between Kettering and Wigston. Along the Kettering to Wigston stretch, there have been 18 bridges which have seen vital upgrade work to prepare for the new wires.

This includes the demolition of two bridges and the reconstruction, alteration or lowering of 16 others. The implementation of new wires is integral to the broader electrification initiative on the Midland Main Line, aimed at providing passengers with greener, faster and more dependable travel experiences along the route.

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Electrification of the route also allows for the introduction of East Midlands Railway's new fleet of bi-mode trains. Three Arches bridge will be re-built in the future once the electrification is complete.

James Spencer, Project Manager for Network Rail said: "The final bridge to be demolished in this section marks a significant milestone for the Midland Main Line electrification project as we prepare to power up the route. This work means passengers travelling along the Kettering to Wigston line will soon see faster, cleaner, and more reliable journeys. We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while work has taken place through the area, and for the further electrification work due to take place."

Tim Legg, Head of Operations for Story Contracting said: "The Network Rail and Story Contracting team have worked extremely hard to reach this important stage in the Midland Main Line programme and I am extremely proud of what they have achieved.

"The Three Arch bridge demolition and other structure works are essential in supporting Network Rail's aims to deliver a greener, more reliable railway to connect passengers right the way between London and Sheffield, via Nottingham and Derby."