Disruption warning over railway improvement work

Passengers have been reminded that railway improvement work between Leicester and Kettering will mean a bus service will replace trains for two consecutive weekends in June.

Network Rail said it was carrying out work on drainage systems at Great Bowden and renewing a switch and crossing at Leicester South Junction.

It added buses would replace CrossCountry services between Birmingham and Leicester on Saturday, Sunday, as well as 13 and 14 June.

The body said East Midlands Railway (EMR) would have one train per hour between Nottingham/Sheffield and London St Pancras, with rail replacement buses in operation between Kettering and Leicester, calling at Market Harborough.

Network Rail said work at Great Bowden would see more than 200m (656.2ft) of the drainage system renewed in a bid to prevent flooding, protect the railway and support more reliable services.

An under-track crossing allowing utilities to pass safely beneath the line - would also be upgraded, it added.

The body said renewal of the switch and crossing at Leicester South Junction would also help deliver more reliable journeys, as well as reducing future faults and maintenance.

Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director, said: "This work between Leicester and Kettering is vital to keeping the railway safe and reliable for passengers and freight.

"By renewing drainage at Great Bowden and replacing track components at Leicester South Junction, we're reducing the risk of flooding, improving reliability and cutting down on future maintenance.

"We're sorry to anyone whose journey is affected, and we thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these important upgrades."

A spokesperson for CrossCountry and EMR advised passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel.

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