Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Midland Main Line

The Midland Main Line (MML) is a major intercity railway route in the , extending approximately 397 miles (639 km) from St Pancras International to via the cities of , , , , , East Midlands Parkway, , , and . Opened in 1870 by the , it connects the capital with the industrial heartlands of the , supporting both long-distance passenger services and regional connectivity across 99 stations and 622 level crossings. Operated primarily by (EMR), the line features fast and frequent services using a mix of diesel High Speed Trains and newly introduced bi-mode trains, with journey times from to typically around 2 hours. Historically, the evolved from the Midland Railway's expansion in the , with its southern section to electrified in the early and diesel High Speed Trains introduced for high-speed operations north of there. The route includes 16 tunnels and diverse infrastructure, such as viaducts and cuttings, reflecting its engineering heritage, and it has long served as a vital for travel and freight between and . Since 2014, has led a £1.5 billion upgrade program in partnership with the UK , focusing on track improvements, station enhancements at locations like and , and the addition of a fourth track between and to boost capacity. Electrification efforts form a cornerstone of the upgrades, with the London to section (Phase 2B) completed in 2021 using 25 kV equipment, enabling electric services and reducing emissions on this stretch. However, the extension from to , , and (Phase 3) was paused indefinitely in July 2025 due to funding shortfalls identified in the government's , shifting focus to bi-mode trains capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified sections (as of November 2025). EMR's introduction of 33 new Class 810 Aurora bi-mode trains, starting in December 2025, will replace older Class 222 Meridian units, offering modern amenities like enhanced Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and increased seating to improve passenger experience amid these delays. The MML's strategic importance lies in its role within the route, managed by , fostering by linking major employment centers and supporting decarbonization goals through planned infrastructure resilience. Despite the electrification pause, ongoing digital signaling upgrades and timetable enhancements aim to deliver more reliable, greener journeys, positioning the line as a key component of the UK's network.

History

Early developments and southern extensions

The Midland Counties Railway (MCR) was established in 1832 in response to concerns among and coal owners over potential threats to their trade from the nearby Leicester and Swannington Railway. An authorizing the construction of a line connecting , , , and was passed on 21 June 1836. The railway opened in stages to facilitate transport and passenger services: the Derby to section on 30 May 1839, with an official ceremony at Nottingham's Carrington Street station on 4 June 1839; the extension to via Trent Junction on 4 May 1840; and the final stretch to on 1 July 1840. At , the MCR joined the London and Birmingham Railway, allowing through services to Euston station in via an existing route completed in the late 1830s. Faced with competitive pressures from larger networks, the MCR amalgamated on 10 May 1844 with the Birmingham and Derby Junction Railway and the North Midland Railway to form the Midland Railway, creating a more robust system spanning the Midlands. This consolidation enabled ambitious southern expansion to secure independent access to London, bypassing reliance on rival companies. In 1857, the Midland Railway opened a 47-mile extension from Leicester to Hitchin via Bedford, providing a direct link to the Great Northern Railway's main line for entry to King's Cross station. The line, authorized by Parliament in 1853, carried its first coal traffic on 15 April 1857, followed by goods on 4 May and passengers on 8 May, significantly boosting freight from Midlands coalfields. To establish its own London terminus and avoid interchange fees, the Midland Railway pursued a further extension from Bedford to the capital, commencing construction in 1862 under chief engineer William Henry Barlow. The 35-mile project, completed by 1868, traversed challenging terrain, including deep cuttings and short tunnels through the unstable , which posed risks of slippage and required careful embankment design and drainage to maintain stability. station opened on 1 October 1868 as the line's southern terminus, featuring Barlow's innovative single-span iron and glass roof spanning 240 feet—the largest enclosed in the world at the time—and accommodating direct expresses from the . This development marked the culmination of the Midland's early southern growth, transforming it into a major artery for passengers and goods.

Northern extensions and Midland Railway era

Following the initial southern extensions that established the core route through the , the pursued aggressive northward expansion in the 1840s to connect industrial centers in , , and . The North Midland Railway, a key predecessor company, opened its line from to (Masborough) on May 11, 1840, providing access to the coalfields and ironworks of the region. This was swiftly extended northward, with the section from to (Hunslet Lane) completing on June 30, 1840, marking the first direct rail link between and the burgeoning textile hub of . The full amalgamation of the North Midland, Midland Counties, and Birmingham and Derby Junction Railways in 1844 formed the , enabling coordinated development of this northern network. To bolster freight capacity from the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfields, the Midland Railway developed the Erewash Valley Line in the mid-1840s. Construction began in 1844 after the company acquired the Erewash Valley Railway project, merging it into its operations by 1845; the line opened progressively, reaching by 1847 and linking Long Eaton on the mainline to near . This route facilitated efficient coal transport to southern markets and integrated the Erewash Valley's mineral resources into the broader system. Simultaneously, the Midland extended westward from Ambergate—a key junction on the Derby-Leeds line opened in May 1840—to reach , with the Ambergate to Rowsley section inaugurating in 1849 as part of the Manchester, , Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway. These extensions solidified the Midland's position as a major carrier in , competing directly with the Great Northern Railway for traffic to and . Intensifying rivalry with the Great Northern Railway spurred further innovations, including participation in the high-profile "" during the late . The Midland's route via offered an alternative path for express services to and , challenging the dominant east and west coast lines in speed trials of 1888 and 1895; for instance, the Midland Scotsman express exemplified these efforts to capture premium passenger traffic. A landmark in this era was the opening of London's station on October 1, 1868, as the Midland's grand terminus for northern services, featuring an innovative single-span designed by William Barlow to accommodate growing volumes. By 1900, these expansions had propelled the to a peak network of over 2,000 miles, encompassing extensive lines across the , , and connections to and .

British Railways era and privatization

Following the of the railways under British Railways in 1948, the Midland Main Line underwent significant modernization as part of the 1955 Modernisation Plan, which emphasized dieselization to replace steam traction. In the early 1960s, Class 45 "" diesel locomotives, built by British Railways' Works, became a mainstay on the route, hauling passenger and freight services from London through the with improved acceleration and reliability compared to steam. Electrification experiments were limited during this period, but the southern section from to received 25 kV overhead lines in the early , enabling electric multiple-unit operations on suburban services and marking an initial step toward hybrid diesel-electric workings further north. The 1963 Beeching Report, titled "The Reshaping of British Railways," profoundly impacted the network by recommending the closure of unprofitable lines to stem financial losses, leading to the shutdown of numerous minor branches linked to the , such as local spurs in the and routes. However, the core main line from to was retained as a vital artery, preserving connectivity between major centers like , , and while avoiding the full-scale rationalization proposed for less trafficked sections. This selective preservation focused resources on high-volume corridors, though it resulted in reduced local access and the loss of secondary services. In the 1980s, British Rail's sectorization reforms restructured operations into business-focused units, with the sector established in to manage premium long-distance routes, including the Midland Main Line. Under , High Speed Trains (HSTs) were introduced on services from St Pancras to and starting in 1983, boosting top speeds to 125 on non-electrified sections and enhancing journey times and passenger comfort with modern [Mark 3](/page/Mark 3) coaches. This initiative transformed the line into a competitive express corridor, prioritizing high-density intercity travel over local stops. Privatization under the Railways Act 1993 dismantled British Rail's integrated structure, awarding the Midland Main Line's services as a in 1996 to Express Group under the Midland Mainline brand, which operated until November 2007 and focused on fleet upgrades like refurbished . The was then transferred to Group's in 2007, which managed operations through 2019, introducing 222 diesel multiple units for faster, tilt-capable services and expanding capacity on the route. This shift to private operation emphasized commercial viability, with subsidies tapering as passenger volumes grew.

Modern upgrades and strategic plans

In the early , Network Rail's Freight Network Study, published in April 2017, outlined a national approach to expanding rail freight capacity to meet projected growth of over 100% in freight tonnes by 2036, with specific emphasis on enhancing infrastructure along key corridors such as the Erewash Valley Line to support intermodal and bulk freight flows between the and . This strategy prioritized gauge enhancements, additional paths, and segregation of freight from passenger services on routes like the Erewash Valley, which handles significant volumes of construction materials and metals, to alleviate bottlenecks and enable longer, heavier trains without disrupting passenger operations. The Department for Transport's High Level Output Specification (HLOS) for Control Period 4 (2009–2014), issued in 2009, directed investments in the to improve journey times and capacity, including the full deployment of Class 222 tilting diesel multiple units capable of 125 mph on curved sections north of , which were introduced progressively from 2008 to enhance service reliability and speed between and the . As part of these outputs, station remodelling projects at and were funded to increase platform capacity and reduce conflicts between fast and stopping services; for instance, Derby's station area saw track realignments and signalling upgrades to allow more efficient routing of trains, while Leicester benefited from platform extensions and better access to accommodate growing passenger numbers. During the 2010s, the Thameslink Programme integrated the southern section of the Midland Main Line into its expanded network, enabling direct through services from East Midlands destinations southward through the Thameslink core to southern England, thereby doubling peak-hour capacity through central London and providing seamless connections for East Midlands commuters without changing trains at St Pancras. This integration, delivered through infrastructure works like the remodelling of the Thameslink core and Midland Main Line junctions at Kentish Town, allowed Thameslink operators to run up to 24 trains per hour in the core section, with Midland route services forming a key northern extension that boosted overall network resilience and passenger volumes by over 50% on affected routes. The 2021 Integrated Rail Plan marked a pivotal policy shift by committing to the full electrification of the from St Pancras to , including branches to and , to replace operations and support faster, greener services with journey times reduced to under 90 minutes from to , although this was paused indefinitely in July 2025 due to funding issues. This plan also integrated (HS2) connections by upgrading the line to accommodate HS2 trains from the West Midlands via East Midlands Parkway, enabling direct high-speed links to city centers like (under 60 minutes from ) and , as part of a broader £96 billion investment framework to enhance regional connectivity and decarbonize rail travel.

Route and Infrastructure

Route definition and extent

The Midland Main Line (MML) is a major intercity railway route in , officially defined by as extending from London St Pancras International station to , covering a core distance of approximately 164 miles (264 km) through the region. This primary alignment serves key intermediate locations including , , , , , and , forming a vital corridor for passenger and freight traffic between the capital and . The route incorporates extensions and branches beyond the core alignment, notably a connection to via Beeston Junction south of the city, enabling direct services from , and the Erewash Valley Line, which diverges at Trowell Junction near to reach and onward connections toward for freight operations. These extensions expand the MML's operational footprint to support regional connectivity and logistics. Within Network Rail's infrastructure classifications, the southern portion of the from London St Pancras to constitutes part of former Route 19, associated with the . Today, the entire integrates into Network Rail's Route for management and upgrades. As of November 2025, covers a total extent of approximately 95 miles along the route, reaching as far north as South Junction just south of , where equipment enables electric traction for passenger services; north of this point, the line remains non-electrified and diesel-powered, with further extensions paused indefinitely since July 2025. The infrastructure adheres to the standard of 4 ft 8½ in (1,435 mm), with maximum line speeds of 125 mph (201 km/h) achieved on upgraded sections south of following signalling and track enhancements.

Key engineering features

The Midland Main Line incorporates numerous significant structures, including tunnels and viaducts designed to overcome challenging terrain across its 164-mile core route from to . These features, developed primarily during the by the , total 16 tunnels and several viaducts, enabling the line to traverse urban areas, rivers, and hilly landscapes. In , major track renewals were completed in and nearby tunnels to enhance reliability. In the southern section near , the Camden Road Tunnel and Belsize Tunnel form key approach structures to station, passing through urban terrain as part of the original infrastructure constructed in the 1860s. Further north, the Clay Cross Tunnel in stands as one of the line's earliest and longest bores, completed in 1840 at a length of 1,784 yards to pierce the coal-rich hills between and . Engineered under the direction of , it was a critical component of the North Midland Railway's construction, involving hand-dug excavation through unstable strata at a cost exceeding £140,000. Midland highlights include the Cricklewood Viaduct in , a multi-span structure carrying the line over Cricklewood Lane and local roads since the 1868 extension from to St Pancras. This viaduct, with a headroom of 15 feet 6 inches, supports suburban and mainline traffic while integrating with the dense urban fabric. In the area, the Desborough straightening works of the 1870s involved cutting a new alignment to reduce curvature and improve speeds on the to stretch, incorporating embankments and minor bridges to bypass meandering sections of the original route. The Branch, a short 1869 spur from the main line near , featured several low-level bridges over the Canal and River Rother, designed for coal traffic to local collieries and later reinforced for heavier loads before closure in the 1960s. Northern features emphasize durability for freight, including modern reinforcements to viaducts and bridges along the Sheffield approach to handle increased coal and aggregate flows. The former Woodhead Tunnel, a 3-mile-66-yard bore completed in 1954 as part of the electrified trans-Pennine extension, served the line until its closure to all traffic in 1981 due to economic decline and maintenance costs; its portals remain as a testament to mid-20th-century engineering for heavy freight.

Electrification and signalling systems

The of the has progressed significantly in recent decades, beginning with early considerations in the 1950s as part of British Railways' broader modernization plans for main line routes, though no substantial implementation occurred at that time due to the preference for diesel traction. The major effort commenced in 2013 under Network Rail's programme, which installs 25 kV AC equipment to enable electric and bi-mode train operations. This initiative first targeted the route from London St Pancras International to , with construction advancing in phases; the full section was completed in late 2020, and electric passenger services began operating in May 2021. Further progress in 2024 and 2025 extended the electrified network northward. In July 2024, the overhead lines between and were successfully energised, marking a key milestone in reducing diesel usage and emissions on this intercity corridor. By April 2025, the 23-mile section from to received safety certification, with the route declared fully operational for electric trains in June 2025, bringing the total electrified length to approximately 95 miles from London St Pancras to Wigston. Further extensions beyond Wigston were paused indefinitely in July 2025 due to funding constraints. Signalling systems on the Midland Main Line incorporate a mix of traditional and modern technologies to ensure safety and efficiency. The southern sections are undergoing transition to digital (ERTMS) with (ETCS) Level 2, which provides in-cab signalling and automatic train protection to support higher speeds and capacity as advances. Throughout the route, (AWS) and Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) remain standard, enforcing speed restrictions and preventing signals passed at danger. The electrification project has encountered notable challenges, including steep gradients in , particularly between Sharnbrook and , which required specialized engineering for stability and interaction. Additionally, escalating costs during the 2020s, driven by issues and inflation, resulted in overruns and the pausing of further extensions beyond in July 2025.

Operations

Passenger services and operators

The primary passenger services on the Midland Main Line are operated by (), which operates under a Contract extended in 2022 to run until October 2030. provides intercity services from London St Pancras International to destinations including , , , and , with an hourly frequency to and during off-peak periods, increasing to two trains per hour (2tph) to during peak times. These services utilize a mix of , including Class 43 High Speed Trains () and Class 222 Meridian units for current operations, while 33 new bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains, built by , are scheduled to enter service starting December 2025 to enhance capacity and support partial electrification. Govia Thameslink Railway operates Thameslink services on the southern section of the line, providing frequent commuter trains from to London St Pancras International and onward to via the core route through , with frequencies of up to four trains per hour (4tph) in peak periods south of . These services, which have been in operation since 2015 as part of the Thameslink franchise, focus on high-volume suburban and inter-urban travel, integrating with the electrified infrastructure between St Pancras and . Additional operators include , which runs intercity services utilizing the northern section of the line, such as from Birmingham New Street to via and , with enhanced frequencies planned under the December 2025 timetable to include more services on the Birmingham-Leicester corridor. (LNER) provides sporadic services on the line, primarily during weekend engineering diversions or disruptions on the , rather than as regular operations. EMR also manages regional services on branches connected to the main line, including half-hourly electric trains from London St Pancras to via , introduced in 2021 following electrification of that section. Overall passenger usage on services, which dominate the line, reached 2,515 million passenger-kilometres between April 2024 and March 2025, reflecting recovery from pre-COVID levels amid ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Freight services

The Midland Main Line serves as a vital corridor for in the , with primary routes including the Erewash Valley Line, which facilitates the movement of aggregates, steel, and oil products from northern sources toward southern destinations, and connections to the Trent Valley for diversions supporting intermodal flows from ports like to the West Midlands. These corridors enable efficient goods logistics, particularly for bulk commodities such as aggregates from quarries destined for the South East and declining coal shipments to facilities like . Key operators on the line include and Freightliner, which handle the majority of services emphasizing deliveries and traffic. Capacity enhancements have been prioritized to accommodate this traffic, building on Network Rail's 2007 Freight Route Utilisation Strategy, which outlined investments in the Strategic Freight Network to boost growth. Specific improvements include targeted W12 gauge clearance on segments of the line to allow larger containers for services. Freight accounts for roughly 20% of the line's total path capacity, leading to occasional conflicts with passenger services during peak hours, particularly between and North Junction where demand is highest. These tensions underscore the need for ongoing infrastructure adaptations to balance mixed-use operations.

Stations

Principal current stations

The principal current stations along the Midland Main Line serve as key interchanges for passengers traveling between and the , with services operated primarily by . These stations facilitate high-volume commuter, regional, and long-distance travel, supported by modern amenities such as ticket offices, waiting areas, and retail outlets. International in serves as the southern terminus for Midland Main Line services, also hosting international trains to . The station handles around 32.8 million passenger entries and exits annually as of April 2023 – March 2024, making it one of the UK's busiest rail hubs, with facilities including 24-hour operation, presence, and extensive retail and dining options. Step-free access is available throughout, including lifts to all platforms. Luton Airport Parkway, located just outside , provides direct connections to via shuttle bus and is a major stop for and services on the line. It sees about 4.3 million passengers yearly as of April 2023 – March 2024, with facilities such as heated waiting rooms on multiple platforms, shops, refreshments, and CCTV coverage, though public is unavailable. The station offers step-free access from the car park to platforms via lifts. Bedford station is a significant junction where the meets the and services, serving commuters to and the . It recorded approximately 2.6 million passenger entries and exits as of April 2023 – March 2024, with step-free access to all platforms via lifts and facilities including a ticket office and waiting rooms. Leicester station acts as a vital interchange on the , linking services to , , and , with additional connections to local and regional routes. It accommodates roughly 5.3 million passengers per year as of April 2023 – March 2024 and features Category A , including step-free entry to the main and lifts to all platforms, alongside waiting areas and customer assistance points. East Midlands Parkway, a between and , provides access to the and Derby/ areas without city-center stops. It handled about 0.8 million passengers as of April 2023 – March 2024, offering step-free access across all platforms, parking, and bus connections. is a central hub on the line, notable for its proximity to the Etches Park maintenance depot, which supports servicing and stabling for 's intercity fleet, including the new bi-mode trains. The itself sees about 3.5 million passengers yearly as of April 2023 – March 2024 and offers step-free access, ticket services, and waiting facilities. Nottingham station functions as a northern for many routes, offering interchanges with and bus services for the and surrounding areas. With approximately 7.1 million annual passengers as of April 2023 – March 2024, it provides comprehensive facilities like shops, restaurants, heated waiting rooms on all platforms (except one), and full step-free access via lifts. Chesterfield station serves as an important stop near the northern end of the line, connecting to and local services in . It recorded around 2.1 million passengers as of April 2023 – March 2024, with step-free access to platforms via ramps and lifts, plus amenities like a café and parking. Sheffield station marks the northernmost point of the , serving as an interchange for routes to , , and beyond. It handles over 9.4 million passengers annually as of April 2023 – March 2024 and includes step-free access with lifts to all platforms, heated waiting rooms, a first-class lounge, and amenities such as shops and toilets. Recent additions and upgrades include Brent Cross West, which opened on 10 December 2023 as a new stop between and , providing step-free access and connections to the corridor for commuters. It saw 0.14 million passengers in its partial year as of April 2023 – March . At , platform reconstructions and enhancements, completed in , have improved capacity and passenger flow, including new longer platforms and additional seating. The Corby branch of the Midland Main Line features key stations such as , , and , serving regional commuters with hourly services to . These stations offer basic facilities like step-free access at major points and waiting areas, supporting around 1-2 million combined annual passengers as of April 2023 – March 2024. Kettering saw about 1.1 million, Wellingborough 0.4 million, and Corby 0.5 million passengers in that period.

Former and closed stations

The Midland Main Line underwent extensive station closures during the Beeching era of the , as British Railways sought to eliminate unprofitable services amid falling passenger numbers caused by rising car ownership and competition from improved road networks. The Beeching Report highlighted that many rural and intermediate stations generated insufficient revenue to cover operating costs, recommending widespread rationalization to focus resources on high-traffic main lines. These closures affected numerous small halts and junctions along the route, reducing the number of stops and streamlining operations, though they severed local connectivity for communities reliant on rail travel. Significant examples include station, situated between and , which ceased passenger services on 4 March 1963 as part of the and closed entirely to goods traffic in February 1964 due to low usage. Similarly, Codnor Park and Ironville station, a minor halt near the Erewash Valley section of the line, closed to all traffic on 2 January 1967 following years of declining freight and passenger demand from industrial shifts and road haulage. Further north, the to branch, connecting to the main line at , saw passenger services end on 14 August 1961, with the line fully dismantled by 1968 owing to uneconomic operation post-nationalization. At the northern end, Manchester Central station, which served as the Midland's Manchester terminus with direct expresses to London St Pancras, closed to passengers on 5 May 1969 after redirection of services to Manchester Piccadilly following electrification; this reflected broader Beeching-era consolidation of terminal facilities to cut duplication and costs. These closures, along with others like those on the former connections (fully shut in 1981 due to electrification shifts and low traffic), eliminated around 50 minor stations and halts on the core route and associated branches, prioritizing long-distance efficiency over local access. Some closed infrastructure has found new life in preservation efforts, such as Quorn & Woodhouse station on the former Great Central route paralleling parts of the Midland, which shut to passengers in March 1963 but reopened in 1974 as a key stop on the heritage Great Central Railway, restored to its 1940s appearance and operating steam excursions today. Such initiatives highlight the enduring cultural legacy of these lost stations, serving as reminders of the network's pre-Beeching extent while supporting tourism and education on railway history.

Incidents and Safety

Historical accidents

The history of the Midland Main Line is marked by several significant accidents in the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily involving collisions and derailments due to signalling and operational errors in the steam era. One of the earliest major incidents occurred on 2 September 1861 at , where an excursion from to Bow collided with a crossing the line near on the Hampstead Junction Railway, a line later incorporated into the network. The collision caused the engine of the excursion train to derail, with six carriages derailed and three falling over a 29-foot-high bridge wing-wall, resulting in 16 deaths and approximately 20 severe injuries, alongside 301 minor cases of shock or bruising. The accident was attributed to poor coordination of train movements, highlighting the limitations of early signalling systems that relied on manual flags and working without adequate . In the late , derailments due to issues became prominent. On 2 1898 at station on the , an express passenger train derailed after colliding with a runaway luggage trolley on a sloped platform. The slope directed the trolley onto the track, and the train's inadequate braking power prevented it from stopping in time, leading to the of several coaches. This incident killed 7 passengers and injured 65 others, underscoring the risks of platform design and brake technology in high-speed operations on the line's section. The investigation recommended improved platform gradients and enhanced braking systems to prevent similar occurrences. Mid-20th century accidents often involved signalling errors on freight lines branching from the main route. On 6 December 1963 at Stanton Gate, near Derby on the Erewash Valley line (part of the Midland network), an up freight train collided head-on with a down freight at 45 mph after the driver passed a signal at danger. The signalman had refused the train by locking signals at red due to track occupation, but the driver misread or ignored the aspect, leading to the derailment of the leading locomotive. The collision killed the driver and secondman of the up train, with no other fatalities but significant damage to rolling stock. The Ministry of Transport investigation cited human error and inadequate signal sighting as primary causes. These incidents reflect broader patterns on the and its associated routes, where early steam-era collisions were frequent due to rudimentary signalling and high traffic volumes, transitioning to signalling and points failures in the diesel age. Records from the Railways Archive indicate dozens of fatal accidents involving and freight trains on the before 2000, with over 200 deaths in major events alone, prompting ongoing improvements in safety protocols.

Modern safety measures and incidents

The introduction of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) in 1999 marked a significant advancement in on the UK's rail network, including the , by providing automatic warnings and braking to prevent signals passed at danger (SPADs) and overspeeding at junctions. TPWS superseded earlier systems like the Automatic Warning System (AWS) and has been fitted to all relevant signals on the route, contributing to a substantial decline in SPAD incidents. In the 2020s, the rollout of the (ERTMS), particularly Level 2, has begun on sections of the as part of broader digital signalling upgrades, enhancing train control through in-cab signalling and automatic train protection to further reduce collision risks. These measures build on lessons from past inquiries, such as the 2007 RAIB into the on the , which exposed deficiencies in points maintenance and led to network-wide protocols for improved inspection and risk assessment adopted by on lines including the . The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) reports that SPADs across the rail network have decreased by approximately 90% since 2000, reflecting the effectiveness of TPWS and ongoing enhancements, with the benefiting from this trend through lower incident rates. Key incidents in the on the have been limited and non-fatal, underscoring improved safety. In July 2022, a near-miss occurred at Sileby Junction near when a passed a danger signal due to , narrowly avoiding a collision with an empty coaching stock movement; the RAIB investigation highlighted the role of the Overlap Beyond Signal () feature in mitigating the overrun, leading to recommendations for better and assessments. On 6 February 2024, a track worker was struck and injured by a road-rail vehicle while working in a possession near Braybrooke, ; the worker sustained a leg injury requiring hospital treatment, attributed to visibility issues in dark conditions and inadequate safe systems of work. On 23 April 2024, a track worker tester nearly crossed paths with a travelling at 104 mph (167 km/h) on an underbridge at Chiltern Green between and Luton Airport Parkway; the train stopped after the driver applied emergency brakes, with no injuries, due to lack of a safe system of work and inadequate planning. In October 2025, a travelling at 108 mph narrowly missed a workers' van on the Up Fast line near an unspecified location; no injuries or damage occurred, prompting a investigation into track worker safety. Recent RAIB investigations have addressed infrastructure vulnerabilities, such as wiring and signalling faults during works near in 2022, which prompted enhanced fault detection protocols to prevent disruptions and ensure safe operations amid ongoing upgrades. Following severe flooding events in 2023–2024, has invested £27 million in drainage improvements along the Midland Main Line to bolster resilience against climate-induced disruptions, including raised embankments and upgraded culverts to minimize service interruptions from .

Future Developments

Electrification extensions and delays

In November 2021, the UK's committed to the full electrification of the from London St Pancras to by the early 2030s, enabling faster journeys and decarbonisation of services. Progress on the programme advanced in 2025, with the electrification of the 20-mile section between and completed in April, delivered on time and under budget through collaboration between and contractors, including enhancements for 12% greater biodiversity along the route. Concurrently, testing of the new Class 810 bi-mode trains, built by for , began on the electrified sections, with the first unit accepted into the fleet in August after validation on equipment; the trains are scheduled to enter passenger service from December 2025. However, in July 2025, the Department for Transport announced an indefinite pause on the next phase of electrification from Wigston to Nottingham and Sheffield, citing escalating costs amid fiscal constraints and the availability of bi-mode trains that can operate on diesel north of the wired sections, alongside broader priorities following the scaling back of HS2 extensions to the East Midlands. This decision has pushed any resumption beyond the original early 2030s target, leading to the standing down of electrification teams by the end of 2025. The pause has significant implications, as it perpetuates diesel-only operations north of , delaying the full environmental benefits of and drawing criticism from regional leaders and environmental groups for prolonging higher carbon emissions from rail services in the , at a time when the aims for net-zero transport by 2050.

Integration with national rail projects

The Midland Main Line is set to serve as a key interchange for (HS2) at Parkway station, where Phase 2b services were originally planned to connect directly, though the eastern leg of Phase 2b to and was cancelled in 2021. Under the (IRP) of 2021, a new high-speed line from the West Midlands to Parkway remains prioritized, enabling classic-compatible HS2 trains to run on the Midland Main Line northward, with potential services starting from 2033 pending ongoing delays to the overall HS2 timeline. By 2025, the cancellation of the eastern leg has led to the release of safeguarded land and reallocation of resources, potentially accelerating upgrades to the existing Midland Main Line to compensate for lost high-speed connectivity to the North. Integration with the network has been fully operational since the completion of the in 2018, allowing seamless through services on the northern section of the with up to 8 trains per hour (tph) passing through London St Pancras International during off-peak periods. This includes at least 4 tph extending to , enhancing commuter capacity between the and . The addition of Brent Cross West station in December 2023 further bolsters this integration, providing a new stop on the line between and , serving local development and improving access to the via Farringdon. Other national initiatives include proposals under () for upgrades at station, such as enhanced capacity and , to better connect the with trans-Pennine routes and support faster journeys to and . In 2025, northern mayors continue to advocate for full delivery, including extensions, to address post-HS2 cancellation gaps in regional . Additionally, the station on the has had construction paused as of 2025 for redesign of a larger facility, with main works anticipated to resume in 2027 and integrate with services as part of the extension, offering up to 4 tph in each direction to support new housing developments near . Funding for these integrations stems from the 2021 IRP, which allocated £96 billion across northern and midlands rail projects, including £1.5 billion specifically for upgrades like bi-mode train deployment and to . By 2025, reallocations following the HS2 eastern leg cancellation have redirected resources toward conventional line enhancements, such as and expansions, though delivery timelines remain subject to budgetary reviews.

References

  1. [1]
    Midland Main Line (MML) Upgrade - Railway Technology
    Mar 12, 2021 · Opened in 1870, the Midland Main Line (MML) has 397 miles (639km) of track, 16 tunnels and 35 stations. Network Rail initiated the MML ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Midland Main Line revisited - Rail Engineer
    Apr 20, 2021 · The Midland Railway's main line from St Pancras to Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham has not received any significant investment for some considerable time.
  3. [3]
    East Midlands route - Network Rail
    The East Midlands route includes the Midland Main Line (MML), which runs from London St Pancras, and reaches Sheffield at its most northerly point.
  4. [4]
    Our Intercity Fleet | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    Our Intercity route operates fast, frequent services between London and the East Midlands - Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and East Midlands ...
  5. [5]
    https://www.railengineer.co.uk/midland-main-line-revisited/
  6. [6]
    Midland Main Line Upgrade - Network Rail
    East Coast Main Line December 2025 timetable change ... The Midland Main Line electrification programme has been paused in the Government's Spending Review.
  7. [7]
    Midland Main Line electrification pause down to lack of funds and bi ...
    Jul 18, 2025 · Midland Main Line electrification pause down to lack of funds and bi-mode trains, Hendy says. 18 Jul, 2025 By Rob Hakimian. The government's ...
  8. [8]
    https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/in-the-news-11th-november-2025-latest-rail-news/
  9. [9]
    MIDLAND MAIN LINE - Modern Railways
    Aug 28, 2025 · Its commitments included “We will fully electrify and upgrade the Midland Main Line between London St Pancras, the East Midlands and Sheffield.Missing: UK | Show results with:UK
  10. [10]
    The Midland Counties Railway, 1839-1844 - Thoroton Society
    Sep 1, 2014 · The Midland Counties Railway, opened in 1839, linked Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough, Leicester, and Rugby. It was created to protect coal ...
  11. [11]
    Midland Counties Railway - RAILSCOT
    Dates ; / /1840, Midland Counties Railway Opened from Rugby (London and Birmingham Railway) to triangular junction at Long Eaton. ; 02/01/1842, Railway Clearing ...
  12. [12]
    History - Midland Railway Society
    The Midland Railway began with coal and competition, the first railway in the Midlands opened in 1832, and the Midland Railway Company formed in 1844.
  13. [13]
    A Nineteenth-Century Investment Decision: The Midland Railway's ...
    4 'Agreement for the interchange of traffic and for the use of the Great Northern Line between London and Hitchin and of the London terminus by the Midland ...
  14. [14]
    The Coming of the Railways | Transport - Harpenden History
    Nov 11, 2017 · From 1840 to 1857 it got to Euston from the north via Leicester and Rugby; in 1857 the Midland had extended its own route southwards to Bedford ...
  15. [15]
    William Henry Barlow (1812–1902) - Network Rail
    1862 -1869: Barlow over sees the construction of the Midland Railway's extension into London and designs the train shed roof at St Pancras station. 1874 ...
  16. [16]
    North Midland Railway - Graces Guide
    Oct 2, 2023 · The North Midland Railway opened its line from Derby to Rotherham (Masborough) and Leeds in May 11th 1840 and from Rotherham to Leeds on June 30th 1840.
  17. [17]
    History - The Midland Railway Study Centre
    Mar 13, 2025 · Provide you with the means to do more in-depth research into the Midland Railway, its constituents, its joint lines, its successors (up to a point!), its ...
  18. [18]
    Erewash Valley Line - Graces Guide
    Dec 14, 2010 · Commenced building in 1844. 1845 Merged into the Midland Railway. It opened as far as Pinxton in 1847, with a link to the Butterley ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  19. [19]
    A History of the Midland Railway Route through The Peak
    The first section of the route between Derby and Ambergate was opened to traffic on 11th May 1840 as part of the “North Midland Railway” line to Rotherham via ...
  20. [20]
    Other Regions - Midland Railway's Ambergate to Rowsley line
    The Ambergate to Rowsley line opened in 1849, was truncated in 1968, but now heritage steam services operate from Matlock to Rowsley. Cromford and Matlock ...
  21. [21]
    The Midland Scotsman - Railway Wonders of the World
    IT is said that, at the time of the “Races to Scotland”, in 1888 and 1895, when the East and West Coast companies were straining every nerve to beat each ...
  22. [22]
    The history of London St Pancras International station - Network Rail
    Construction of the hotel started in 1868 however the economic downturn of the late 1860s meant that the hotel, named the Midland Grand, was only completed in ...
  23. [23]
    Midland Railway - Graces Guide
    Nov 7, 2023 · The Midland Railway (MR) was a railway company in the United Kingdom, which existed from 1844 to 1922. 1844 The Midland Railway was formed by ...
  24. [24]
    The BR Sulzer Class 45 - Key Model World
    Feb 11, 2021 · The Class 45 was the backbone of the Midland Region, and one of the most recognisable designs of the early diesel period.Missing: 1950s | Show results with:1950s
  25. [25]
    How did Beeching reform the railway for the future - Key Model World
    Apr 3, 2023 · While the Beeching report of 60 years ago is best remembered for the closure of a third of our railway network, it proposed investment and ...
  26. [26]
    How Dr Beeching got it so wrong | Express & Star
    Apr 3, 2015 · Rather than branch line closures it set out which sections of the main line would be developed, and which would not. Dr Beeching felt the ...
  27. [27]
    InterCity - Science Museum Group Collection
    InterCity was a British Rail sector formed in 1982, a brand for express services, and a commercial railway, used on all express services out of London.
  28. [28]
    https://mag.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/midlands-main-line-project-shows-where-efficiencies-can-be-made-and-costs-minimised
  29. [29]
    East Midlands Trains - Rail Professional
    Jun 4, 2019 · East Midlands Trains services parts of Yorkshire and the East Midlands, the current franchise is in its eleventh year.
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Freight Network Study April 2017
    Apr 2, 2017 · The Network RUS: Freight was published in March 2007 and set out a strategy to accommodate the forecast growth in rail freight over the next ...Missing: Erewash | Show results with:Erewash
  31. [31]
    [PDF] East Midlands Route Study | Network Rail
    This final version of the East Midlands Route Study has been refreshed to reflect changes in Network Rail's Enhancement. Delivery Plan and to provide clarity ...
  32. [32]
    [PDF] Network Rail Strategic Business Plan Control Period 4 - PRgloo
    In delivering this plan, we therefore aim to build on the success which the industry as a whole has achieved over the last five years. Rarely.
  33. [33]
    [PDF] Thameslink Programme baseline evaluation report - GOV.UK
    Mar 4, 2018 · 3. The concept of the Thameslink Programme was to operate more mainline trains through central London by extending the Thameslink network and ...
  34. [34]
    [PDF] Update on the Thameslink programme (Summary)
    Nov 23, 2017 · The Department and Govia Thameslink had initially planned for a number of services from Sussex and Kent, the Midland Mainline, the East Coast ...
  35. [35]
    [PDF] Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands (web version)
    It fully electrifies, modernises and upgrades two existing diesel main lines, the Midland Main Line from London to Leicester,. Nottingham and Sheffield and the ...
  36. [36]
    Dismay at government pause to Midland Mainline electrification - BBC
    Jul 9, 2025 · East Midlands council leaders have said they are dismayed at the government's decision to indefinitely pause the northwards electrification ...
  37. [37]
    Network Rail: GBP 84m overhead line upgrade delivered on time
    Jun 17, 2025 · Network Rail has successfully completed a major GBP 84 million upgrade to overhead line equipment (OLE) on the Midland Main Line.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Record speed on Midland main line - Global Railway Review
    Jul 3, 2012 · The current maximum speed anywhere on the line is 110mph. *British Rail's gas turbine Advanced Passenger Train went at 125mph on test. SIGN ...Missing: gauge | Show results with:gauge
  39. [39]
    The history of London King's Cross station - Network Rail
    ... Gasworks Tunnel under the Regents Canal were being constructed. Planned for a 10 acre site in the area known as King's Cross the new terminus was built on ...
  40. [40]
    1960 Longest Tunnels - Graces Guide
    Feb 26, 2025 · 1,784 Clay Cross Tunnel 1839 Derbyshire Railway; 1,760 Patchway New Tunnel 1886 Gloucestershire Railway; 1,746 Burdale Tunnel 1853 Yorkshire ...
  41. [41]
    Clay Cross Tunnel South Portal (SPC8 68P1) - Historic England
    Clay Cross Tunnel South Portal (SPC8 68P1). approx. 74m south of Clay Lane, Clay Cross, Derbyshire. Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search ...
  42. [42]
    Railways - Cricklewood Town Team
    The station was opened as Childs Hill but later named Cricklewood station which became the terminus for the Midland Railway suburban services by 1884.Missing: Main | Show results with:Main
  43. [43]
    The Midland Railway Branch - Kiveton Park & Wales History Society
    On the 1st of October 1869 the Midland Railway opened a short branch line from just north of its Killamarsh Station to two collieries at Norwood.
  44. [44]
    Woodhead tunnels - GOV.UK
    Nov 5, 2013 · When the line finally closed in 1981, National Grid purchased the modern tunnel with a view of installing new cables in the modern tunnel ...
  45. [45]
    Relearning Electrification - Rail Engineer
    Mar 15, 2019 · This electrification work was part of a £60 million contract to electrify 106 single track kilometres (stk) and lay 44 kilometres of track on ...
  46. [46]
    Midland Mainline: Electrification of railway dubbed 'a big milestone'
    Jul 22, 2024 · The project is part of a wider scheme to electrify the route between London and Sheffield, which is expected to be completed in the early 2030s.Missing: classification | Show results with:classification
  47. [47]
    Electrification project's milestone delivered on time and under budget
    Apr 4, 2025 · Certification for the 23-mile section is part of Network Rail's Midland Main Line Electrification Programme – the biggest programme of ...Missing: total | Show results with:total
  48. [48]
    Next section of Midland Main Line declared safe and ready of use
    Jun 10, 2025 · A 23-mile section of the Midland Main Line that has been electrified has been officially declared safe and ready for use by electric trains.Missing: total | Show results with:total
  49. [49]
    Rail Technology Magazine Issue 146 Q2: MIDLAND MAIN LINE ...
    Jun 19, 2025 · Rail Technology Magazine - Issue 146 Q2. MIDLAND MAIN LINE ELECTRIFICATION CONTINUES – ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET. Jorge Roque 2025-06-19 06:15:41.
  50. [50]
    [PDF] Our approach to digital signalling in CP7 | Network Rail
    Mar 31, 2024 · In addition, early development of ETCS on the Midland Main Line will support scheme delivery in CP8.
  51. [51]
    [PDF] UK Implementation Plan for Technical Specification for ... - GOV.UK
    8 GB Class B systems consist of TPWS and AWS. Both systems are ... Main Line. Further phases of the high speed rail network will be introduced.<|separator|>
  52. [52]
    Rail Technology Magazine August / September 2023: Midlands ...
    Aug 19, 2023 · The Midlands Mainline and this particular stretch has proved challenging. Electrification to Corby formed Key Output 1 of the Midland main line ...Missing: gradients overruns
  53. [53]
    Green light for over 50 road and rail upgrades supporting ... - GOV.UK
    Jul 8, 2025 · The next phase of electrification of the Midland Main Line has been paused. Due to rising costs and the substantial electrification that has ...
  54. [54]
    When will my local train operator be nationalised?
    Jan 8, 2025 · Franchised train operator contract expiry dates ; Great Western Railway, 22 June 2025, 25 June 2028 ; East Midlands Railway, 18 October 2026, 13 ...
  55. [55]
    Train Timetables | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    Find train times for your route. View, download and print PDF timetables at the bottom of the page for each of our Intercity, Connect and Regional routes.East Midlands Railway News · Live Departures & Arrivals · Timetables and updates
  56. [56]
    Dec 2025 Timetable Changes | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    A revised timetable will come into effect on Sunday 14 December 2025. This timetable will realise opportunities to operate more train services across the ...Missing: Midland | Show results with:Midland
  57. [57]
    Changes to train services as Midland Main Line improvements ...
    Apr 3, 2025 · We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the ...
  58. [58]
    CrossCountry confirms December 2025 timetable changes
    Sep 9, 2025 · Overall, CrossCountry services will increase – with additional services on the busy Reading – Newcastle and Birmingham – Leicester routes across ...Missing: Midland | Show results with:Midland
  59. [59]
    Changes to train times - LNER
    Here you'll find all the planned engineering work scheduled to impact LNER services over the next 12 weeks.
  60. [60]
    Electrifying the Midland Main Line | Office of Rail and Road - ORR
    May 26, 2021 · A new fully electrified train service, running twice hourly between Corby and London St Pancras, has been introduced by East Midlands Railway (EMR).
  61. [61]
    [PDF] Train Operating Company key statistics - ORR Data Portal
    Between April 2024 and March 2025, there were 2,515 million passenger kilometres travelled. Page 5. TOC key statistics (April 2024 to March 2025): East Midlands ...Missing: numbers | Show results with:numbers
  62. [62]
    [PDF] Network Rail Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2007
    Jul 31, 2007 · A key milestone came in March 2007, when Network Rail published its Route. Utilisation Strategy for freight which set out proposals for the ...
  63. [63]
    [PDF] Midland Main Line: Congested Infrastructure Capacity Analysis
    Although there are fewer sections of this route available for operation at over 100 mph than on the West. Coast or East Coast main lines, and there are fewer ...
  64. [64]
    London St Pancras International - Facilities, Shops and Parking ...
    A nineteenth-century station delivering a twenty-first century regional, intercity, continental and high-speed railway.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  65. [65]
    [PDF] Estimates of station usage April 2023 to March 2024
    Apr 1, 2023 · 2,585 stations were served with 1,610 million journeys. London Liverpool Street was the busiest, and Birmingham New Street was the busiest ...
  66. [66]
    Luton Airport Parkway Train Station | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    Station facilities. Seated area available. Yes. Waiting room information. There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and platform 4 has the upper ...
  67. [67]
    Luton Airport Parkway Station - RailwayData
    Station Usage. In 2023/2024, Luton Airport Parkway had 4,344,390 entries and exits, making it the 116th most used, out of 2,581 stations in Great Britain.
  68. [68]
    Luton Airport Parkway Station | National Rail
    Station facilities and services · CCTV,Available · Public Wi-Fi,Unavailable · Refreshments,Available · Shops,Available ...
  69. [69]
    Leicester Train Station | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require ...
  70. [70]
    RailwayData | Leicester Station - The Railway Data Centre
    In 2023/2024, Leicester had 5,303,830 entries and exits, making it the 92nd ... * This increases to a daily average of 15797.95 passengers passing through the ...
  71. [71]
    Nottingham Train Station | Departures & Arrivals | EMR
    Nottingham train station offers a range of facilities including shops, restaurants, waiting areas, and ticketing services. It is also well-connected to other ...
  72. [72]
    Nottingham Station - National Rail
    Station facilities and services · CCTV,Available · Public Wi-Fi,Available · Refreshments,Available · Shops,Available ...
  73. [73]
    [PDF] Regional rail usage - London - ORR Data Portal
    Nov 21, 2024 · This annual statistical release contains information on regional rail usage in Great. Britain. It covers passenger journeys within and between.
  74. [74]
    Sheffield Train Station | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    Discover Sheffield train station. Information on live arrivals & departures, purchasing & collecting rail tickets, facilities, accessibility, FAQs & more.
  75. [75]
    Sheffield Station - National Rail
    Sheffield Station has step-free access, lifts, toilets, and staff assistance. Ticket buying is available Mon-Fri 05:00-22:50, Sat 05:00-22:50, Sun 07:45-23:00. ...
  76. [76]
    Aurora - A new dawn for the East Midlands - Rail Engineer
    Feb 13, 2025 · The main depot facilities can be found at Derby Etches Park, EMR's main regional and Intercity maintenance depot. Located south-east of Derby ...
  77. [77]
    Derby Train Station | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    Discover Derby train station. Information on live arrivals & departures, purchasing & collecting rail tickets, facilities, accessibility, FAQs & more.Missing: depot | Show results with:depot
  78. [78]
    Brent Cross West Station: Key London Infrastructure
    On 10 December 2023, Brent Cross West, London's newest mainline railway station, welcomed its first passengers. The new Thameslink station is the first to be ...
  79. [79]
    Major improvements underway at Leicestershire railway station
    Oct 10, 2024 · Improvements to Market Harborough station are running concurrently with the project on the Midland Main Line to electrify the line between ...
  80. [80]
    Our train routes | EMR - East Midlands Railway
    Services run in both directions every 30 minutes, calling at Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and London. EMR Connect is ...
  81. [81]
    The Reshaping of British Railways - Part 1: Report
    The 'Beeching Report' is one of the most notorious government reports of the 20th century. The failure of the modernisation plan to stem BR's losses led the ...
  82. [82]
    Great Glen railway station - Wikipedia
    Great Glen railway station ; station closed for passengers · Station closed completely ...
  83. [83]
    Site of Codnor Park & Ironville station, 1989 - Geograph
    Sep 28, 2012 · Nothing was left of the station, which had been closed on 2/1/67. Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved] © Copyright Ben Brooksbank and ...
  84. [84]
    Nottingham direct line of the Midland Railway - Wikipedia
    The Nottingham to Melton and Manton to Rushton route sections were closed in ... Nottingham and Saxby line to Melton Mowbray station. In the same ...
  85. [85]
    Manchester Central - Disused Stations
    May 21, 2017 · Station Name: MANCHESTER CENTRAL ; Date closed completely: 5.5.1969 ; Company on closing: British Railways (London Midland Region) ; Present state: ...
  86. [86]
    Quorm & Woodhouse Station
    May 12, 2017 · Quorn reopened in 1974 as a heritage line with trains running to the station from Loughborough. The line was exteneded south to Rothley in 1976.
  87. [87]
    Extract for the Accident at Kentish Town on 2nd September 1861
    The report onto the collision of an excursion train with a ballast train at Kentish Town in 1861. This document was published on 9th October 1861 by Board of ...
  88. [88]
    Accident at Wellingborough on 2nd September 1898
    This accident has been the subject of a published formal accident investigation, which you will find below. View our accidents map · View location in Rail Map ...
  89. [89]
    Accident at Ais Gill on 2nd September 1913 - The Railways Archive
    16 fatalities, 38 injured. Accident Investigation Status: This accident has been the subject of a published formal accident investigation, which you will find ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  90. [90]
    Report on the Collision that occurred on 6th December 1963 at ...
    On December 6, 1963, two freight trains collided at Stanton Gate. The up train hit the down train at 45 mph, derailing the up train and killing the driver and ...Missing: Derby | Show results with:Derby
  91. [91]
    Report on the Collision that occurred on 19th September 1986 at ...
    The report into the head-on collision between two passenger trains at the switched diamond of Colwich Junction in 1986.
  92. [92]
    TPWS – THE ONCE AND FUTURE SAFETY SYSTEM
    Jul 25, 2019 · And so the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) was born. It retained the warning function of AWS and added train protection. Responsible ...Missing: Midland ERTMS
  93. [93]
    Signalling the future - Rail Engineer
    Apr 30, 2025 · The success of TPWS has made the business case for ETCS difficult, but today the costs of conventional signalling renewals are unaffordable. So, ...
  94. [94]
    [PDF] Network Rail Infrastructure Limited - Network Statement 2026
    • Midland Main Line – St Pancras to Silkstream Junction. In the future, new ... with relevant national safety rules and relevant safety requirements.
  95. [95]
    [PDF] Rail Accident Report - GOV.UK
    On 23 February 2007, train 1S83 derailed at Lambrigg near Grayrigg at 95 mph, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.Missing: Midland | Show results with:Midland
  96. [96]
    SPAD Risk Subgroup - RSSB
    May 22, 2024 · Although there has been a significant decline in SPAD risk since 2000, SPADs still account for approximately 30% of the total train accident ...
  97. [97]
    [PDF] Rail Accident Report - GOV.UK
    Jul 4, 2022 · 5 Signal LR477 was at danger to protect train 5P01, the 04:57 hrs empty coaching stock (a passenger train not in service) movement from Etches ...
  98. [98]
    Annual Report for 2024 - GOV.UK
    May 15, 2025 · This report summarises the work of the branch in 2024. Six main themes have run through our investigative activity and these are outlined below.
  99. [99]
    Rail network in East Midlands to spend £27m to improve drainage ...
    Apr 3, 2024 · Work continues to electrify the Midland Main Line alongside day-to-day investment which will improve climate resilience and connect communities.
  100. [100]
    Network Rail: £1.3bn Midland Line Electrification Phase Starts
    Nov 3, 2022 · The £1.3bn Midland Main Line (MML) Electrification programme will enable the electric operation of new bi-mode trains on the whole of the MML, ...Missing: billion | Show results with:billion
  101. [101]
    Electrification project's major milestone delivered on time and under ...
    Apr 3, 2025 · The certification for the 23-mile section is a massive achievement in Network Rail's Midland Main Line Electrification Programme – the biggest ...Missing: total | Show results with:total
  102. [102]
    EMR accepts first Class 810 into its fleet ahead of rollout
    Sep 1, 2025 · East Midlands Railway has accepted its first Class 810 unit into its fleet after testing and validation was completed earlier this summer.
  103. [103]
    Midland Main Line New - Kibworth & District Chronicle
    Sep 16, 2025 · We are now seeing the testing of the new bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains passing through Kibworth using the newly installed overhead wires.
  104. [104]
    Midland Main Line electrification teams to be stood down this year ...
    Jul 23, 2025 · Work that has taken place includes lowering sections of the track between Wigston and East Midlands Parkway to allow wires to be fitted.
  105. [105]
    Anger at Midland Main Line electrification pause, Ely Junction ...
    Jul 11, 2025 · Among rail projects, the DfT has announced an indefinite pause on electrification of the Midland Main Line (MML) beyond Wigston, York Area ...Missing: extent | Show results with:extent
  106. [106]
    A Bad Day for Rail Investment in the East - East Midlands Councils
    Jul 9, 2025 · “The Midland Main Line is now the only mainline route that remains largely non-electrified. This puts our region at a disadvantage compared to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  107. [107]
    Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands - GOV.UK
    Nov 18, 2021 · It is a £96 billion plan that outlines how major rail projects, including HS2 Phase 2b, Northern Powerhouse Rail and Midlands Rail Hub, will be delivered ...
  108. [108]
    HS2 rail leg to Leeds scrapped, Grant Shapps confirms - The Guardian
    Nov 18, 2021 · The eastern leg of HS2 to Leeds has been scrapped and a full high-speed east-west line linking Manchester to Leeds will not be built, the government has ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  109. [109]
    HS2 delayed beyond 2033 as minister attacks 'appalling mess'
    Jun 18, 2025 · The high-speed rail network HS2 cannot be completed on its current schedule and budget and will be delayed beyond 2033, the government has said, ...Missing: integration classic- compatible
  110. [110]
    Project rescoping: Phase Two cancellation - HS2
    Jul 18, 2025 · In July 2025, Safeguarding Directions were removed between the West Midlands and Leeds (the former Phase 2b Eastern Leg). Property owners ...Missing: Midland | Show results with:Midland
  111. [111]
    [PDF] The Combined Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise
    4.67 Off-peak on the Midland Main Line, at least 8 trains per hour will operate as far as St Albans, including at least 4 to Bedford. 4.68 Of the 8 East Coast ...
  112. [112]
    Thameslink - Wikipedia
    The new services began operating in 2018, though the full projected timetable of 24 trains per hour has never been achieved. In 2016, new Class 700 trains ...Thameslink Programme · Brighton Main Line · Govia Thameslink Railway
  113. [113]
    Building Brent Cross West
    Brent Cross West opened on Sunday 10 December 2023 and here's how we celebrated: Video Player. https://trnsformingbx.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content ...
  114. [114]
    Brent Cross: London's first mainline rail station in a decade opens
    Dec 10, 2023 · Direct Thameslink services will run to Luton Airport Parkway and Farringdon, providing a link to the Elizabeth line.Missing: Midland 2018 8tph
  115. [115]
    https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/northern-mayors-pen-letter-to-chancellor-calling-for-northern-powerhouse-rail-to-be-built-in-full-11-11-2025/
  116. [116]
    Wixams Station - Overview | Bedford Borough Council
    Construction of the station is anticipated to begin in Autumn 2024, subject to necessary consents being secured and development of the detailed design. Bedford ...Missing: Luton | Show results with:Luton
  117. [117]
    Wixams new £62m railway station will be 'amazing thing' - BBC
    Aug 27, 2024 · Bedford Borough Council has entered into an agreement with Network Rail to construct the station, which could open by 2026. Bedford Borough ...Missing: construction extension
  118. [118]
    HS2: Rishi Sunak's £36bn in transport funding – is it new or just ...
    Oct 4, 2023 · The prime minister said £36bn would be reallocated, most funding for the north of England. However, many of the projects had already been announced in some ...
  119. [119]
    [PDF] HS2: update following cancellation of Phase 2 - National Audit Office
    Jul 22, 2024 · Note 1 On 4 October 2023, the government cancelled HS2 Phase 2a, Phase 2b Western Leg and Phase 2b Eastern Leg/ HS2 East.