Midland Main Line upgrade

{{Short description|Ongoing railway upgrade in the United Kingdom}}

The Midland Main Line (MML), a major railway line in the United Kingdom, has been undergoing various upgrades since 2015.{{Cite web |title=Midland Main Line Upgrade |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-midlands/midland-main-line-upgrade/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Network Rail |language=en-GB |archive-date=21 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021132516/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-midlands/midland-main-line-upgrade/ |url-status=live }} The current programme of upgrades began in 2012, although electrification was proposed a number of times previously.{{Cite web|date=1981|title=Review of Mainline Electrification|url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoTBRB_Electrification1981.pdf|url-status=live|website=Railway Archives|access-date=22 February 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830072922/https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoTBRB_Electrification1981.pdf}} The current programme includes electrification of the railway line between {{rws|Bedford}}, Wellingborough, Corby, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield. The routes between Nottingham and Sheffield and the Erewash Valley line were not included at this time, only the line between Derby and Sheffield. The upgrade was part of the HLOS (High Level Output Specification) for Control Period 5 published by the UK Government in 2012.{{Cite web|title=HLOS CP5|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/3641/railways-act-2005.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224143626/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/3641/railways-act-2005.pdf}}

To enable all the benefits of using electric traction, the line from Bedford to St Pancras is also being upgraded which includes boosting the power supply.{{Cite magazine|date=June 2023 |editor-last=Sherratt|title= 125mph upgrade for MML OLE south of Bedford |journal=Modern Railways|publisher=Key Publishing|volume=80|issue=897|pages=22–23|issn=0026-8356}}{{Cite web |title=South of Bedford Upgrade |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-midlands/midland-main-line-upgrade/south-of-bedford-upgrade/ |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Network Rail |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417144151/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/east-midlands/midland-main-line-upgrade/south-of-bedford-upgrade/ |url-status=live }} Parts of the line have been classed as congested infrastructure hence another reason for the upgrade.{{Cite web |date=2015-09-11 |title=Midland Main Line Congested Infrastructure Capacity Enhancements plan |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Midland-Main-Line-Congested-Infrastructure-Capacity-Enhancement-Plan-240915.pdf |website=Network Rail}}

The upgrading of the overhead line equipment (OLE) south of Bedford is underway to allow {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} running and due for completion in late 2025. The Kettering to South Wigston stretch was energised in July 2024.

File:UK rail electrification by 2019.pdf

Background

The commuter route at the southern end of the line between London St Pancras and Bedford, nicknamed the Bedpan line, was electrified with overhead line in the early 1980s and completed in 1983.{{Cite book|last=Keenor|first=Garry C.Eng MIET|title=Overhead Line Electrification for Railways 5th Edition|year=2018|pages=Appendix A}} This section is mainly a commuter route. It was the subject of an industrial dispute when driver-only operation (DOO) electric trains were introduced.{{Cite web|title=One-man trains introduced on Bedpan line · British Universities Film & Video Council|url=http://bufvc.ac.uk/tvandradio/lbc/index.php/segment/0006000205015|access-date=19 February 2021|website=bufvc.ac.uk|archive-date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128012453/http://bufvc.ac.uk/tvandradio/lbc/index.php/segment/0006000205015|url-status=live}}

As the line is a key strategic artery and a radial main line originating in London, there have been many calls for it to be electrified, especially now that the Great Western Main Line and East Coast Main Line are electrified, along with the West Coast Main Line which was electrified in the 1960s and 1970s. The desire to achieve net zero carbon in transport has increased calls for the line to be electrified/decarbonised. There is also the desire to increase some sections of the line to {{convert|125|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} speed capability.{{Cite web |last=FPWI |first=Peter Stanton BSc CEng FIMechE FIET |date=2023-12-19 |title=Sparking the Midlands |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/sparking-the-midlands-2/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Rail Engineer |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222172146/https://www.railengineer.co.uk/sparking-the-midlands-2/ |url-status=live }}

History and earlier proposals

In the 1970s large scale electrification was proposed on the back of the West Coast Main Line electrification and partially in response to the oil crisis of that decade.{{Cite magazine|date=November 1974|title=British Rail: the timescale for a strategic electrification programme|magazine=Modern Railways|volume=November 1974|via=Ian Allan publishing}} In 1981 the British Railways Board published a final document on railway electrification that included the Midland Main Line as high priority.{{Cite web|date=July 1981|title=British Railways Board Rail Electrification|url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoTBRB_Electrification1981.pdf|url-status=live|website=Railway archive|access-date=22 February 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830072922/https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoTBRB_Electrification1981.pdf}} In the intervening years priority was put on other projects such as schemes in Anglia and the East Coast Main Line.{{Cite web|date=11 January 2018|title=ECML: Electrification as it used to be – Rail Engineer|url=https://www.railengineer.uk/2017/11/27/ecml-electrification-as-it-used-to-be/|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165146/https://www.railengineer.uk/2017/11/27/ecml-electrification-as-it-used-to-be/|archive-date=11 January 2018}} Then in the 1990s, British Rail was privatised followed by a change in government.{{cite web |last1=Isherwood |first1=Phil |title=Who Privatised Britain's Railways? Railway History |url=https://www.triptex.co.uk/news/who-privatised-britains-railways-railway-history/ |website=Triptex |date=25 March 2024 |access-date=16 September 2024 |archive-date=2 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902013255/https://www.triptex.co.uk/news/who-privatised-britains-railways-railway-history/ |url-status=live }}

=21st century proposals=

In July 2009, the Labour government published a document and said it was looking at electrification of the Midland Main Line, but no funds had been committed.{{Cite web|date=July 2009|title=Rail Electrification|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/rail-electrification.pdf|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=22 February 2021|archive-date=5 August 2009|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090805225151/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/rail-electrification.pdf}} When originally planned and announced in the 21st Century, the line upgrade was costed at £1.6 billion and it was expected that the line would be electrified as far as Kettering and Corby by 2017. It was then expected that the electrification of the line would continue from Kettering to Leicester, Derby and Nottingham and would occur by 2019 and then the Sheffield section by 2020. Again only the Derby to Sheffield section of the line was planned for electrification and not the Nottingham to Sheffield route, or the through route bypassing both Derby and Nottingham – the Erewash Valley line. In addition an extra track was to be installed between Kettering and Corby to enhance capacity.{{Cite web|title=Work to upgrade railway between Corby and Kettering enters next phase|url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-to-upgrade-railway-between-corby-and-kettering-enters-next-phase|access-date=28 February 2021|website=Network Rail Media Centre|language=english|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118211810/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-to-upgrade-railway-between-corby-and-kettering-enters-next-phase|url-status=live}} It appeared in the autumn statement of 2011.{{Cite web|date=2011|title=Autumn Statement 2011|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/228671/8231.pdf|url-status=bot: unknown|website=UK Government|access-date=5 March 2021|archive-date=1 April 2014|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140401032103/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/228671/8231.pdf}}

A 2014 article in RAIL Magazine gave a detailed account of the work that lay ahead. Rebuilding of bridges between Bedford and Leicester had already been in progress for a while. Equipment for placing the various electrification tasks such as bases and overhead line equipment was scheduled to start April 2015. The completion date for electric trains arriving at Sheffield Midland station was cited as December 2020 – the cost given as £1.3 billion pounds and also included three station modifications at Leicester, Derby and Sheffield. 422 single track miles (675 km) of wiring was supposed to occur and a total of 120 bridges modified. Bradway tunnel had already had some heavy maintenance.{{Cite web|title=TRAINS RUNNING THROUGH BRADWAY TUNNEL|url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/trains-running-through-bradway-tunnel|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Network Rail Media Centre|language=english|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517155429/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/trains-running-through-bradway-tunnel|url-status=live}} It was further pointed out that ECAM had been used (as in the project had been through this procedure)- a term the treasury used meaning Enhancements Cost Adjustment Mechanism. Pre-ECAM the cost had been quoted at £900 million. The whole MML scheme also overlapped with the Electric Spine project.{{Cite journal|last=Broadbent|first=Steve|date=6 August 2014|title=The countdown begins to MML wiring|journal=RAIL Magazine|volume=765|pages=54–59|via=Bauer Media}}

In June 2015, the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin informed Parliament the electrification project was being paused, resulting in criticism from local MPs. Mcloughlin said "'better services' could be delivered on Midland Mainline before electrification was completed".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34402592|title=Network Rail to restart electrification of train lines|date=30 September 2015|access-date=16 September 2024}} He blamed "Network Rail for rising costs and missed targets". Lilian Greenwood who at the time was Shadow Transport Secretary, and also an MP for Nottingham South, accused the government of being cynical and that they had delayed this announcement until after the 2015 United Kingdom general election which took place the previous month.{{Cite news|date=25 June 2015|title=All bets off for £38bn rail plan|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-33268484|access-date=28 February 2021|archive-date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117150834/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-33268484|url-status=live}} There were also complaints that money had been wasted on civil engineering interventions that were no longer needed.{{Cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Megan |last2=Martin |first2=Dan |date=2017-08-01 |title=Revealed: Millions wasted on scrapped electrification project |url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/tens-millions-wasted-preparation-works-264965 |website=LeicestershireLive |language=en |access-date=2 March 2023 |archive-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302161341/https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/tens-millions-wasted-preparation-works-264965 |url-status=live }}

On 30 September 2015 McLoughlin restarted the scheme.{{Cite news|date=30 September 2015|title=Network Rail to restart electrification of train lines|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-34402592|access-date=28 February 2021|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119061122/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-34402592|url-status=live}} The new expected completion dates were now three years later than originally planned, with electrification to Kettering and Corby now targeted for completion in 2019 and then to Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield by 2023.{{Cite web|title=Midland Main Line electrification unpaused – but delayed by years|url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Inbox/midland-main-line-electrification-unpaused-but-completion-delayed-by-three-years/120202|access-date=20 February 2021|website=www.railtechnologymagazine.com|archive-date=17 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117150849/https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Inbox/midland-main-line-electrification-unpaused-but-completion-delayed-by-three-years/120202|url-status=live}} The line from Kettering to Corby was to be doubled, and indeed Network Rail began work in June 2015.{{Cite web|title=Work to upgrade railway between Corby and Kettering enters next phase|url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-to-upgrade-railway-between-corby-and-kettering-enters-next-phase|access-date=22 February 2021|website=Network Rail Media Centre|language=english|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118211810/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/work-to-upgrade-railway-between-corby-and-kettering-enters-next-phase|url-status=live}} The Enhancements plan update of January 2016 showed the project

on target.{{Cite web|date=4 February 2016|title=Wayback Machine Enhancements Delivery Update Plan Sir Peter Hendy|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Update.pdf|access-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204213454/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Enhancements-Delivery-Plan-Update.pdf|archive-date=4 February 2016}} On 27 July 2017, a further briefing paper was issued and the Midland Main Line had a section of its own.{{Cite web |last=Butcher|first=Louise|date=22 February 2021|title=Rail electrification|url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05907/|language=en-GB|access-date=22 February 2021|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506031746/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn05907/|url-status=live}} This document, and the subsequent announcement by the new Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said the electrification scheme north of Kettering to Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield had been cancelled and that bi-mode trains would be used.{{Cite news|date=20 July 2017|title=Rail electrification plans scrapped by government|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40669869|access-date=24 February 2021|archive-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401201112/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-40669869|url-status=live}}

File:2019 at Wellingborough station - Up Slow line being relaid.JPG

2020 and onwards timeframe

Local news outlets reported in December 2020 that electrification to Market Harborough was moving closer.{{Cite web|date=8 December 2020|title=Rail Electrification to Market Harborough moves closer|url=https://harboroughfm.co.uk/rail-electrification-to-market-harborough-moves-closer/|url-status=live|website=Harborough FM|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208122158/https://harboroughfm.co.uk/rail-electrification-to-market-harborough-moves-closer/}} In February 2021, Network Rail put out a document confirming this saying that devegetation, ecological and biodiversity work was starting on the section between Kettering and north to Market Harborough as a prelude to electrification. They further stated that detailed assessment had already taken place and that this immediate ground clearance would end April 2021.{{Cite web|title=Network Rail begins vital work at Market Harborough in step towards electrification|url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-begins-vital-work-at-market-harborough-in-step-towards-electrification|access-date=22 February 2021|website=Network Rail Media Centre|language=english|archive-date=22 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222095806/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-begins-vital-work-at-market-harborough-in-step-towards-electrification|url-status=live}} Local news outlets reported this work earlier but they further confirmed it.{{Cite news|title=Vital electrification works to take place near Kettering's rail line|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|language=en-GB|url=https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/people/vital-electrification-works-take-place-near-ketterings-rail-line-3139300|access-date=22 February 2021|issn=0307-1235|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218150656/https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/people/vital-electrification-works-take-place-near-ketterings-rail-line-3139300|url-status=live}} There will be overlap with some Sub-national transport body such as East Midlands Connect. On 23 March 2021, the Transport Select Committee published its sixth report in the Trains fit for the Future ongoing enquiry, which called for a rolling programme of electrification.{{Cite web|last=Lancefield|first=Neil|date=23 March 2021|title=MPs call for rolling programme of rail electrification projects to cut carbon|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/mps-network-rail-huw-merriman-britain-government-b925646.html|access-date=25 March 2021|website=www.standard.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323162459/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/mps-network-rail-huw-merriman-britain-government-b925646.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=MP's call for immediate start of 30-year rail electrification plan|url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/mps-call-immediate-start-30-year-rail-electrification-plan|access-date=25 March 2021|website=Rail Technology Magazine|language=en|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323211220/https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/mps-call-immediate-start-30-year-rail-electrification-plan|url-status=live}} It reported that the Midland Main Line was actively being looked at and that the project plans would be broken up into eight route sections.{{Cite web|date=23 March 2021|title=Trains fit for the future? Sixth report of session 2019–2021|url=https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5179/documents/52006/default/|url-status=live|website=UK Government|access-date=25 March 2021|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323020108/https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/5179/documents/52006/default/}} It was reported and confirmed in Modern Railways that the contractor SPL Powerlines was working in conjunction with Network Rail to progress the project north of Market Harborough all the way to Sheffield and Nottingham and that current plans were the route would be divided into eight discrete sections.{{Cite journal|date=March 2021|title=MML Wires towards Market Harborough|journal=Modern Railways|volume=April 2021|pages=23}} It was announced that due consideration was being given to environmental protection during the upgrade with Great crested newts being given special mention.{{Cite web|date=25 March 2021|title=New Protection For Great Crested Newts During Railway Upgrade|url=https://harboroughfm.co.uk/new-protection-for-great-crested-newts-during-railway-upgrade/|access-date=25 March 2021|website=HFM|language=en-GB|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325102817/https://harboroughfm.co.uk/new-protection-for-great-crested-newts-during-railway-upgrade/|url-status=live}} On completion of certain parts of the project, environmental aspects and Green credentials were touted.{{Cite web|title=Network Rail transforms Northamptonshire work compound into first habitat to protect wildlife following major railway upgrades|url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-transforms-northamptonshire-work-compound-into-first-habitat-to-protect-wildlife-following-major-railway-upgrades|access-date=1 September 2021|website=Network Rail Media Centre|language=english|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901134816/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-transforms-northamptonshire-work-compound-into-first-habitat-to-protect-wildlife-following-major-railway-upgrades|url-status=live}}

In September 2020 the TDNS (Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy) was published. Further electrification was recommended and included the Midland Main Line and fill ins such as Sheffield northwards and Birmingham to Derby. In October 2022 it was reported the TDNS had been quietly abandoned.{{Cite magazine|last=Ford|first=Roger|date=November 2022 |editor-last=Sherratt|title= TDNS terminated – official |magazine=Modern Railways|publisher=Key Publishing|volume=79|issue=890|pages=26–31|issn=0026-8356}}

A meeting took place in July 2021 to discuss bidding for extension of the upgrade and electrification of the line from Market Harborough to Sheffield a key stage in the project going ahead. The work would go out to tender in September 2022.{{Cite web|title=Bidders day for £500m Midland Mainline electrification|url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2021/07/06/bidders-days-for-500m-midland-mainline-electrification/|access-date=6 July 2021|website=Construction Enquirer News|language=en-GB|archive-date=6 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706064121/https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2021/07/06/bidders-days-for-500m-midland-mainline-electrification/|url-status=live}}

On 18 November 2021, the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) was published. This affected parts of the HS2 programme including curtailing much of the eastern leg but did include full Midland Main Line electrification and upgrades.{{Cite web|date=18 November 2021|title=Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034360/integrated-rail-plan-for-the-north-and-midlands.pdf|url-status=live|website=UK Government|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118113149/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034360/integrated-rail-plan-for-the-north-and-midlands.pdf}}

On 21 December 2021 the DfT officially announced that work would start on 24 December 2021 on electrification of the section of line between Kettering and Market Harborough.{{Cite web|title=Spades in ground as government delivers on rail investment promise for North and Midlands|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spades-in-ground-as-government-delivers-on-rail-investment-promise-for-north-and-midlands|access-date=21 December 2021|website=GOV.UK|language=en|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105034932/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spades-in-ground-as-government-delivers-on-rail-investment-promise-for-north-and-midlands|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=21 December 2021|title=Main works on next stage of Midland Main Line electrification due to begin|url=https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/main-works-on-next-stage-of-midland-main-line-electrification-due-to-begin/|access-date=21 December 2021|website=RailBusinessDaily|language=en-US|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221170610/https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/main-works-on-next-stage-of-midland-main-line-electrification-due-to-begin/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Rail industry welcomes progress on Midland Mainline electrification|url=https://www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Progress_on_MML_electrification.aspx|access-date=21 December 2021|website=www.riagb.org.uk|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221121245/https://www.riagb.org.uk/RIA/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Progress_on_MML_electrification.aspx|url-status=live}} Grant Shapps controversially claimed this work was proof the IRP was being implemented quickly.{{Cite magazine|last=Hakimian|first=Rob|date=22 December 2021|title=DfT slammed for 'insulting' claim that IRP pushed through long-delayed Midland Main Line electrification|url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/dft-slammed-for-insulting-claim-that-irp-pushed-through-long-delayed-midland-main-line-electrification-22-12-2021/|access-date=22 December 2021|magazine=New Civil Engineer|language=en|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222075447/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/dft-slammed-for-insulting-claim-that-irp-pushed-through-long-delayed-midland-main-line-electrification-22-12-2021/|url-status=live}}

On 24 May 2022 in an article in New Civil Engineer, it was announced that delivery was already in progress from Kettering to Wigston and given the section name RS1 (Route Section 1 – sometimes also referred to as K2W). Contractors were invited to a market engagement event on 15 June 2022 for the remaining sections to allow bimode trains to run on electric power all the way to Sheffield.{{Cite web |title=Briefings held over £1bn Midland Mainline Electrification plan |url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/briefings-held-over-ps1bn-midland-mainline-electrification-plan |access-date=24 May 2022 |website=Rail Technology Magazine |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525103020/https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/briefings-held-over-ps1bn-midland-mainline-electrification-plan |url-status=live }} These sections for continued work were outlined. RS is a Route Section.{{Cite magazine |last=Kennedy |first=Catherine |date=24 May 2022 |title=Contractors alerted to next phase of £1.3bn Midland Main Line electrification |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/contractors-alerted-to-next-phase-of-1-3bn-midland-main-line-electrification-24-05-2022/ |access-date=24 May 2022 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |language=en |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524100728/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/contractors-alerted-to-next-phase-of-1-3bn-midland-main-line-electrification-24-05-2022/ |url-status=live }}

In the August 2022 edition of Modern Railways, Roger Ford stated that RS3 will have high priority because of the diversionary route capabilities it brings.{{Cite magazine|last=Ford|first=Roger|date=August 2022|title=Informed Sources: MML ELECTRIFICATION Template for decarbonisation |magazine=Modern Railways|volume=79|issue=887 |pages=36–38|publisher=Key Publishing}} The whole project has an advantage in that it is not driven by a timetable change.{{Cite web |last=Shirres BSc CEng MIMechE DEM |first=David |date=2023-07-10 |title=The future of electrification |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/the-future-of-electrification/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Rail Engineer |language=en-GB}} The eight route sections are:{{Cite magazine|date=November 2023 |editor-last=Sherratt|title= MML wiring advances |magazine=Modern Railways|publisher=Key Publishing|volume=80|issue=902|pages=63|issn=0026-8356}}{{Cite web |title=Midland Main Line electrification market engagement begins |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/midland-main-line-electrification-market-engagement-begins/61698.article |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913153546/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/midland-main-line-electrification-market-engagement-begins/61698.article |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-25 |title=£1bn Midland Mainline Electrification programme begins briefings {{!}} TheBusinessDesk.com |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2059368-1bn-midland-mainline-electrification-programme-begins-briefings |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=East Midlands |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913153939/https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2059368-1bn-midland-mainline-electrification-programme-begins-briefings |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Moore |first=Catherine |date=2022-05-24 |title=Contractors alerted to next phase of £1.3bn Midland Main Line electrification |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/contractors-alerted-to-next-phase-of-1-3bn-midland-main-line-electrification-24-05-2022/ |access-date=2024-09-13 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |language=en |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524100728/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/contractors-alerted-to-next-phase-of-1-3bn-midland-main-line-electrification-24-05-2022/ |url-status=live }}

RS1 – Kettering to Wigston South (includes Market Harborough and Braybrooke grid feeder).
RS2 – Wigston South to Syston (some evidence this section may have been split into 2a and 2b).{{Cite web |title=Target to slash costs by third on £1.2bn Midlands rail upgrade |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/10/09/target-to-slash-costs-by-third-on-1-2bn-midlands-rail-upgrade/ |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=Construction Enquirer |language=en-GB |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027150420/https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/10/09/target-to-slash-costs-by-third-on-1-2bn-midlands-rail-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}
RS3 – Syston to Trent Junction.
RS4 – Sheet Stores Junction to Chaddesden Sidings (Derby).
RS5 – Trent Junction to Nottingham.
RS6 – Chaddesden Sidings (Derby) to Toadmoor Tunnel.
RS7 – Toadmoor Tunnel to London Road.
RS8 – London Road to Sheffield North.

The September 2022 Mini-Budget, included RS3 as one of a list of infrastructure "projects to have particularly high potential to move to construction at an accelerated pace".{{Cite web |title=The Growth Plan 2022 (HTML) |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growth-plan-2022-documents/the-growth-plan-2022-html |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=GOV.UK |language=en |archive-date=13 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913161931/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growth-plan-2022-documents/the-growth-plan-2022-html |url-status=live }}{{Cite journal |title=Market Harborough and Beyond |url=https://www.modernrailways.com/article/market-harborough-and-beyond |journal=Modern Railways |date=24 December 2020 |access-date=13 September 2024 |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923031630/https://www.modernrailways.com/article/market-harborough-and-beyond |url-status=live }}

October 2023 saw the publishing of the command document Network North. This document further proposed extension of the electrification of the MML from Sheffield to Doncaster and Leeds.{{Cite book |title=Network North Transforming British Transport |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65294b416b6fbf0014b75641/network-north-transforming-british-transport.pdf |isbn=978-1-5286-4481-5 |access-date=1 November 2023 |archive-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024215405/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65294b416b6fbf0014b75641/network-north-transforming-british-transport.pdf |url-status=live }}

The installation of the foundations was fully completed as of 28 November 2023 on the section of line from Kettering to Wigston and was energised on 28 July 2024.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2023 |title=Foundations on the MML fully complete |url=https://twitter.com/NetworkRailEM/status/1729499273555800352 |website=Twitter |publisher=Network Rail East Midlands |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227182538/https://twitter.com/NetworkRailEM/status/1729499273555800352 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cl4y82v44k7o|title=Pupils get lessons about new overhead electric wires|date=14 July 2024|access-date=15 July 2024 }}

On 6 April 2024, the West Bridgford Wire stated that the government is committed to electrify the line to Nottingham by 2030, with the rest of the electrification to Sheffield to be done by the early 2030s due to the fact it has been going at a 'snails pace'. It also stated that the work south of Bedford is to be delivered in 2025.{{cite web |url=https://westbridgfordwire.com/midland-mainline-electrification-by-2030-in-government-plans/ |title=Midland Mainline: Railway electrification by 2030 in Government plans |last=Locker |first=Joe |date=6 April 2024 |website=West Bridgford Wire |publisher= |access-date=14 April 2024 |quote= |archive-date=10 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510154859/https://westbridgfordwire.com/midland-mainline-electrification-by-2030-in-government-plans/ |url-status=live }} In September 2024 there was further confirmation that planning and site investigations were ongoing for electrification to Nottingham and Sheffield.{{Cite magazine|last=Sherratt|first=Philip|date=October 2024|title=The East Midlands' Bright Spark |magazine=Modern Railways|volume=81|issue=913 |pages=64–66|publisher=Key Publishing}}

Power supply and civils

The electrified line will be fed via the autotransformer system. To cope with the higher electricity usage south of Bedford into St Pancras, the upgrade involves boosting the existing power supplies.{{Cite web |title=Power supply boost in latest stage of Midland Main Line Upgrade |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-supply-boost-in-latest-stage-of-midland-main-line-upgrade |access-date=14 March 2022 |website=Network Rail Media Centre |language=english |archive-date=14 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314114950/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/power-supply-boost-in-latest-stage-of-midland-main-line-upgrade |url-status=live }} This contract has been awarded to SPL Powerlines.{{Cite web|title=Project Win – Midland Mainline – Key Output 1A Civils Design {{!}} Whitfield Construction Services|date=2 March 2021|url=https://whitfieldconstructionservices.co.uk/project-win-midland-mainline-key-output-1a-civils-design/|access-date=2 March 2021|language=en-GB|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808181459/https://whitfieldconstructionservices.co.uk/project-win-midland-mainline-key-output-1a-civils-design/|url-status=live}} In addition, a new grid feeder was installed at Braybrooke, just south of Market Harborough.{{Cite web|title=Google Maps|url=https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/52%C2%B027%2745.8%22N+0%C2%B053%2705.2%22W/@52.4627222,-0.8869665,548m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x487776ac0edc6b1b:0x14b60b86480db022!2sBraybrooke,+Market+Harborough,+UK!3b1!8m2!3d52.4502!4d-0.876743!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d52.4627093!4d-0.8847672|access-date=1 March 2021|website=Google Maps|language=en|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182906/https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/52%C2%B027%2745.8%22N+0%C2%B053%2705.2%22W/%4052.4627222%2C-0.8869665%2C548m/data%3D%213m2%211e3%214b1%214m14%211m7%213m6%211s0x487776ac0edc6b1b%3A0x14b60b86480db022%212sBraybrooke%2C+Market+Harborough%2C+UK%213b1%218m2%213d52.4502%214d-0.876743%213m5%211s0x0%3A0x0%217e2%218m2%213d52.4627093%214d-0.8847672|url-status=live}} At the north end of the scheme it was proposed that a grid feeder would be located in the Chesterfield area. The middle section of the upgrade scheme would have the grid feeder located in the Kegworth area. Work was announced as starting on the grid feeder in the Market Harborough area on 8 April 2021.{{Cite web|date=8 April 2021|title=Work Starts On Rail Electricity Substation Project|url=https://harboroughfm.co.uk/work-starts-on-rail-electricity-substation-project/|access-date=8 April 2021|website=HFM|language=en-GB|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118222159/https://harboroughfm.co.uk/work-starts-on-rail-electricity-substation-project/|url-status=live}} The transformers were delivered to the site in December 2021.{{Cite web|date=17 December 2021|title=Milestone Reached In Construction Of Rail Electricity Substation|url=https://harboroughfm.co.uk/milestone-reached-in-construction-of-rail-electricity-substation/|access-date=17 December 2021|website=HFM|language=en-GB|archive-date=17 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217153151/https://harboroughfm.co.uk/milestone-reached-in-construction-of-rail-electricity-substation/|url-status=live}} There are a number of bridges requiring work.{{Cite web |title=Midland Main Line Electrification Programme |url=https://politics.leics.gov.uk/documents/s119769/Appendix%20C%20-%20Midland%20Mainline%20Electrification%20Programme.pdf |website=leicester.government.uk |access-date=20 October 2022 |archive-date=21 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121164242/https://politics.leics.gov.uk/documents/s119769/Appendix%20C%20-%20Midland%20Mainline%20Electrification%20Programme.pdf |url-status=live }}

Wellingborough aggregates terminal

Wellingborough aggregates terminal is a rail freight terminal in Wellingborough in North Northamptonshire, adjacent to the Midland Main Line.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-19 |title=GB Railfreight and GRS Rail Services sign five-year contract extension |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/gb-railfreight-grs-rail-services/ |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815184148/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/gb-railfreight-grs-rail-services/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, the terminal was the site of an electrification trial. As freight trains are usually top loaded, it is not possible to install typical overhead lines. A new moveable overhead conductor was installed which retracts to allow loading of the train.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Roger |date=2022-03-27 |title=UK first as electrification extended into a freight terminal in Northamptonshire |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/03/uk-first-as-electrification-extended-into-a-freight-terminal-in-northamptonshire.html |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=RailAdvent |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240815185650/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/03/uk-first-as-electrification-extended-into-a-freight-terminal-in-northamptonshire.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=UK first rail freight electrification trial boosts industry net zero ambitions |url=https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2022/03/18/uk-first-rail-freight-electrification-trial-boosts-industry-net-zero-ambitions/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=RailFreight.com |language=en-US |archive-date=29 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729154248/https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2022/03/18/uk-first-rail-freight-electrification-trial-boosts-industry-net-zero-ambitions/ |url-status=live }}

Timeline summary

Source for most of section information.{{Cite journal|last=Ford|first=Roger|date=August 2021|title=Informed Sources Table 1:Electrification Policy Timeline|journal=Modern Railways|volume=September 2021|pages=32–33|via=Key Publishing}}

November 2011 – autumn statement includes electrification of the line
September 2015 – electrification paused by the Secretary of State shortly after publication of the Hendy review
October 2015 – electrification unpaused but timeline for completion is delayed
July 2019 – (RSSB) Rail Industry Decarbonisation Task Force report published
April 2021 – work on Braybrooke grid feeder started.{{Cite web |title=Transformer deliveries mark major milestone for Braybrooke Substation project and the Midland Main Line Upgrade {{!}} National Grid Group |url=https://www.nationalgrid.com/transformer-deliveries-mark-major-milestone-braybrooke-substation-project-and-midland-main-line |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=www.nationalgrid.com |archive-date=14 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214090801/https://www.nationalgrid.com/transformer-deliveries-mark-major-milestone-braybrooke-substation-project-and-midland-main-line |url-status=live }}
17 May 2021 – electric service from London to Corby starts.{{cite web |title=East Midlands Railway launch all-electric train service from Corby to London |url=https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2021-05-16/east-midlands-railway-launch-all-electric-train-service-from-corby-to-london |website=ITV |access-date=1 June 2023 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601180442/https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2021-05-16/east-midlands-railway-launch-all-electric-train-service-from-corby-to-london |url-status=live }}
18 November 2021 – IRP published stating electrification of the whole line would take place.
21 December 2021 – official announcement and press release that Kettering to Market Harborough electrification is approved and works began from starting 24 December 2021.
27 March 2022 - Wellingborough aggregates terminal retractable electrification gantries trial takes place.
24 May 2022 – confirmation that contracts had been let and delivery was in progress all the way to Wigston South Junction
1 July 2022 – confirmation that work was starting on RS1 Market Harborough to South Wigston{{Cite web |date=1 July 2022 |title=Work To Electrify Railway North Of Market Harborough To Begin |url=https://harboroughfm.co.uk/work-to-electrify-railway-north-of-market-harborough-to-begin/ |access-date=1 July 2022 |website=HFM |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701173613/https://harboroughfm.co.uk/work-to-electrify-railway-north-of-market-harborough-to-begin/ |url-status=live }}
23 September 2022 – MML phase 3 listed as one of the "infrastructure projects which will be accelerated as fast as possible" in the September 2022 Mini-Budget
9 January 2023 – further bridge raising on RS2 section commencing from 13 January 2023.{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Frances |date=4 January 2022 |title=Alterations to railway bridge -Chaters Bridge, Langton Road, Great Bowden Planning application |url=https://pa2.harborough.gov.uk/online-applications/files/5AEF5E8BF7AD8E642B957984A33BBAFF/pdf/23_00025_PDN-COVER_LETTER-1217402.pdf |website=Harborough.gov }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web |title=Leicestershire bridge to be upgraded, ready for an electric railway |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/leicester-bridge-to-be-upgraded-ready-for-an-electric-railway |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Network Rail Media Centre |language=english |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109140949/https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/leicester-bridge-to-be-upgraded-ready-for-an-electric-railway |url-status=live }}
28 February 2023 – announcement that contractors were being sought for the entire route from South Wigston to Nottingham and Sheffield and design approved in principle.{{Cite magazine |last=Johnson |first=Thomas |date=2023-02-28 |title=Network Rail to change electrification delivery on Midland Main Line to make cost savings |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/network-rail-to-change-electrification-delivery-on-midland-main-line-to-make-cost-savings-28-02-2023/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |language=en |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228215103/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/network-rail-to-change-electrification-delivery-on-midland-main-line-to-make-cost-savings-28-02-2023/ |url-status=live }}
6 October 2023 – an invitation to tender (market interest) for the remaining sections including Nottingham and Sheffield was issued.{{Cite web |title=Network Rail Eastern Midland Main Line Electrification Partnership Framework – Find a Tender |url=https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029555-2023 |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=www.find-tender.service.gov.uk |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027150423/https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029555-2023 |url-status=live }} Passenger input was sought for the remaining sections and the feedback was that bus substitution was the least desirable option with more notice and longer closures along with rail diversions preferred.{{Cite magazine|date=November 2023 |editor-last=Sherratt|title= MML wiring advances |magazine=Modern Railways|publisher=Key Publishing|volume=80|issue=902|pages=62–64|issn=0026-8356}}
28 November 2023 – Foundations installation complete Kettering to South Wigston.{{Cite web|date=28 November 2023|title=Foundations on the MML fully complete|url=https://twitter.com/NetworkRailEM/status/1729499273555800352|access-date=27 December 2023|archive-date=27 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227182538/https://twitter.com/NetworkRailEM/status/1729499273555800352|url-status=live}}
6 April 2024 – A news article stated that the government is committed to electrify the line to Nottingham and Sheffield by 2030 and early 2030s respectively.
28 July 2024 – RS1 Kettering to Wigston energised.{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Megan |date=2024-07-31 |title=Story supports the electrification of Midland Main Line |url=https://www.storycontracting.com/story-supports-the-electrification-of-midland-main-line/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Story Contracting |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731142343/https://www.storycontracting.com/story-supports-the-electrification-of-midland-main-line/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Pashby |first=Tom |date=2024-07-30 |title=Network Rail electrifies 36km of Midland Main Line from Kettering to Wigston |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/network-rail-electrifies-36km-of-midland-main-line-from-kettering-to-wigston-30-07-2024/ |access-date=2024-07-31 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240731081935/https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/network-rail-electrifies-36km-of-midland-main-line-from-kettering-to-wigston-30-07-2024/ |url-status=live }}
Early 2025 – Class 810s to start revenue service {{cite magazine|title=East Midlands Railway reveals the interior looks of its new Aurora train fleet|department=News|magazine= Railways Illustrated |issue=254|date=April 2024|page=7}}
3 April 2025 - announcement that Kettering to Wigston section was delivered on time and under budget and was ready for electric trains.{{Cite web |title=Electrification project’s major milestone delivered on time and under budget |url=https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/electrification-projects-major-milestone-delivered-on-time-and-under-budget |access-date=2025-04-03 |website=Network Rail Media Centre |language=english}}