Network Rail is set to begin a major reconstruction of Kirk Hill bridge in Sutton Bonington, with the project designed to bring long-term benefits while keeping disruption to train services to a minimum.

The bridge will be demolished and replaced with a new structure that will:

• Remove the risk of speed restrictions by allowing tamping machines to compact ballast and maintain track quality.

• Create additional clearance for freight trains, cutting journey times and reducing road congestion by taking lorries off the network.

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• Provide space for future rail electrification equipment, should the Midland Main Line electrification project be reinstated.

Work is scheduled to begin on Saturday 27 September, when the A6006 Rempstone Road will be reduced to a single lane with traffic lights in place. From Monday 6 October 2025, a full road closure on both approaches to the bridge will be introduced, lasting until July 2026, with diversions provided.

The existing bridge will be demolished on Christmas Day 2025, ensuring no disruption for passengers as trains do not run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Construction of the new bridge is due to start in mid-February 2026 and will take around four weeks, carried out entirely during overnight weekend shifts to limit passenger impact.

Further works, including parapet installation, bridge deck and abutment construction, highway and utility upgrades, and removal of the temporary site compound, will follow from mid-March through to the project's target completion in September 2026.