The upgrades, which began in September 2023, are designed to support the future use of bi-mode trains operated by East Midlands Railway. These trains, capable of running on both electricity and diesel, are central to efforts to make rail travel greener and more efficient along the busy route.
From 22 February to 1 June 2025, engineering teams worked over successive weekends to improve the resilience and performance of the overhead line equipment. This included re-tensioning the wires to ensure better contact with train pantographs – the apparatus on top of electric trains that draws power from the overhead lines. Additional weights were added to improve wire tension, reducing bounce at higher speeds and improving reliability.
Several aging head spans – the structures that hold the overhead wires in place – were also replaced, and other outdated equipment was renewed.
The upgrades are expected to allow trains to operate at speeds up to 125mph, compared to the current 100mph limit on the section between Bedford and London St Pancras International. This improvement will help cut journey times and increase capacity on one of the country’s most important rail corridors.
“This work is a vital step toward introducing East Midlands Railway’s greener fleet of bi-mode trains,” said a Network Rail spokesperson. “Electric trains are not only quieter and more efficient, but they are also significantly better for the environment compared to their diesel counterparts.”
To safely carry out the works, weekend closures were scheduled when rail usage is typically lower. During the closures, Network Rail also completed a range of other essential maintenance tasks. These included installing new drainage systems, refurbishing signalling and communications equipment, and replacing worn sections of track.
Passengers travelling between South Yorkshire, the East Midlands, and London are expected to benefit from smoother, faster, and more reliable journeys as a result of the improvements.