Spades in ground as government delivers on rail investment promise for North and Midlands

The next stage of electrification on the Midland Mainline starts, ultimately bringing quieter trains, greater decarbonisation and better connectivity in the region.

Just a month after announcing £96 billion of rail investment for the North and Midlands, work is already starting on the Integrated Rail Plan with the launch of the next stage of Midland Main Line electrification.

Main works to electrify the Midland Mainline between Kettering and Market Harborough will start on 24 December 2021, laying the foundation for the planned upgrade of the line all the way to Sheffield and Nottingham and setting the starting gun for quieter trains, greater decarbonisation, better connectivity and more local services across the region.

Today (21 December 2021), on a visit to the Leicester hub of Network Rail contractors SPL, the Transport Secretary saw wiring gantries being built for the Midland Mainline and met with staff to mark the launch of the biggest ever government investment package for the North and Midlands, which will boost opportunity and support job creation across the regions.

The Integrated Rail Plan is the blueprint for the government’s commitment to building better transport links, generating prosperity and opportunity across the North and Midlands up to 15 years sooner than previously planned, all while delivering on levelling up the country.