OREANDA-NEWS. Two bridges in Leicestershire are to be rebuilt by Network Rail as part of a GBP 70m investment to speed up journey times on the Midland Main Line, which links London with Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield.

Once complete, the new bridges will provide the extra headroom needed for trains to travel at higher speeds, when the forces involved mean trains tilt to one side as they pass through curved sections of track.

Network Rail would normally provide the additional clearance by lowering the track level under the bridges. However, rebuilding the bridges will help to accommodate future installation of overhead line equipment as part of the proposed electrification of the line between Bedford and Sheffield, providing better value for money and minimising disruption.

Justin Page, Network Rail acting route managing director, said: “This work will deliver quicker journeys for the ever-growing number of passengers on the Midland Main Line, helping to bring the region's biggest economies closer together.

“We thank people in advance for their patience during the engineering works and will continue to work closely with Leicestershire County Council, Harborough District Council and other key groups as we continue our plans to build a better railway for the East Midlands. This is an exciting time for the Midland Main Line as we upgrade and electrify the route to transform our diesel railway into one of the most modern in Europe, providing more seats, even faster journeys and cleaner and quieter trains.”

The bridges will need to be closed for up to 15 weeks while they are replaced. Network Rail is working with Leicestershire County Council and Harborough District Council to minimise disruption and provide travel advice to those affected.

The two bridges affected are:

• Station Street / Church Road bridge, Kibworth - closed 9 September 2013 to 22 December 2013. Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained for the vast majority of the time.

• The Square bridge, Newton Harcourt - closed 9 September 2013 to 13 December 2013.

A drop-in session for the local community will be held at Kibworth Village Hall on Tuesday 13 August 2013.