Kirk Hill bridge project
We are demolishing and rebuilding Kirk Hill bridge in Sutton Bonington.
Doing the work now ensures that the Midland Main Line is, in part, clear for electrification should the project be allowed to continue in future.
Rebuilding this bridge will also provide the clearance needed for freight trains to run on this section of the line. This will benefit road users and the environment by allowing more freight to be transported on the railway rather than by road.
Project timeline
This project is due to begin in September 2025 and will be completed by September 2026.
What work is taking place?
We are demolishing and rebuilding Kirk Hill bridge to raise it higher. This was originally to provide essential clearance for electrical equipment. We have agreed with the Department of Transport (DfT) to continue with this work due to the benefits for freight mentioned above.
Public information event – 17 September 2025
A public information event was held in Sutton Bonington Village Hall on 17 September. Please see the presentation below that was shared at this event for more information on the project.
When is the work taking place?
We will be carrying out a range of work near the bridge on the dates outlined below.
|
Date
|
Activity
|
|---|---|
|
Monday 29 September 2025 |
Start on site Single lane closure with traffic lights on Kirk Hill |
|
Monday 6 October 2025 – Monday 20 July 2026 |
Full road closure of Kirk Hill (diversion will be in place) |
|
Thursday 25 December 2025 |
Bridge demolition |
|
Saturday 14 February 2026 – Sunday 15 March 2026 |
Bridge reconstruction |
|
March 2026 – August 2026 |
After the demolition and reconstruction there is also work such as drainage and work to the approach that needs to take place. We also sometimes need to divert services such as broadband, gas, electricity and water to ensure that our work does not disrupt these essential services for neighbours living near our work and this takes time. |
|
Tuesday 25th September 2026 |
Site work complete |
How will this work affect me?
To enable us to complete this work safely we do need to close some roads in the area. Diversions will be clearly signposted.
We will share maps of the road closures and diversions here when they become available.
You can also check any changes to road closures by searching on the website.
We are sorry for the disruption this work may cause. We will make every effort to minimise any unnecessary noise. And brief our teams regarding working responsibly within the local community.
Our living by the railway pages provide more information on our work.
Why is the work needed?
Although the Midland Main Line electrification programme has been paused by Government there are a number of items of work that the Department for Transport (DfT) has approved to continue. Kirk Hill bridge is one of these. This also follows several months of meetings with Nottinghamshire County Council and Leicestershire County Council to agree the necessary permissions for the work to go ahead.
We agreed with DfT that this work should continue. It ensures that the route is, in part, clear for electrification should the project be allowed to continue in future. It also delivers benefits including gauge clearance for freight trains, this takes more lorries off roads locally.
Get in touch
For more information or to get in touch with us, please contact us by visiting our contact us page or by calling our 24-hour national helpline on 03457 11 41 41.