Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor ED AKERS tells PHILIP SHERRATT how it will be a busy year for the Midland main line upgrade
2019 is set to be a pivotal year for many railway projects. The Midland main line upgrade is no exception, and after a busy 2018 the coming months herald significant advances on this important inter-city route.
While the programme is due to culminate in service enhancements in December 2020, in fact the bulk of the infrastructure improvements will be delivered this year, with track, civils, signalling and stations work all due to be commissioned at Christmas. ‘It’s not a Crossrail or Thameslink in scale, but it’s still a big investment’ points out Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor Ed Akers. ‘It’s really exciting – the Midland main line will look very different in 12 to 18 months’ time.’
Clearly there is a reduced scope to that at the start of Control Period 5, when electrification was due to stretch all the way to Nottingham and Sheffield. Wiring north of Kettering was a victim of the wider troubles with the CP5 enhancements programme, but the first stage of electrification to Kettering and Corby is still proceeding. Even with the reduced scope, this is still …
