We spent the past weekend completing the last of a run of nine weekends of major work on the Midland Main Line between London and Bedford.
It will help train operator East Midland Railway run its bi-mode trains. These can be powered by electricity or diesel on the route in the future.
Upgrading overhead lines
We began our £84m upgrade of the overhead lines that power electric trains between Bedford and London in September 2023. But more recently, we dedicated nine weekends beginning on Saturday 22 February and ending on Sunday 1 June to it.
Our teams re-tensioned the wires so they bounce less when trains travel faster. We did this by adding more weight to the wires so there’s more tension and better contact between the wire and the pantograph – that’s the antennae on the top of the train that draws the power.
Engineers also replaced several head spans – the structures that support the overhead wires – as part of the task. And we renewed other overhead line equipment that had come to the end of its working life.
Greener journeys
This work is essential for the introduction of East Midlands Railway’s greener fleet of bi-mode trains.
Electric trains are better for the environment than diesel trains. And they’re quieter for those on board the train and those living close to the railway.
Trains on this part of the line, between Bedford and London St Pancras International station, can currently only travel at a maximum speed of 100mph, even though the speed limit is usually 125mph. Our upgrades will mean that trains are now able to travel at the higher speed limit.
Line closures
We had to close sections of the line over the weekend so our teams could safely access the track and overhead lines. Fewer people tend to use trains at the weekends, which is why we planned our work during this time.
We also made the most of the line closure to carry out other essential works. These included installing new drainage systems, refurbishing old signal and communications equipment, and renewing sections of worn-out track.
These improvements will give you smoother and more reliable journeys along this major route between South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and London.
