MML Electrification: progress updates

[QSK19]

For what it’s worth, 159km is about 99 miles, the distance from St P to Leicester.
Whether it’s a measurement for electrification or some other civils work, [shrug emoji]

Most likely the latter - IMO a bit coincidental that the number seemingly pertains to the distance from STP. But as ever, I defer to expertise on this.

 

[edwin_m]

Most likely the latter - IMO a bit coincidental that the number seemingly pertains to the distance from STP. But as ever, I defer to expertise on this.

I'd say that's almost certainly what the number is, but all the different engineering disciplines tend to use chainage (often in metric like this) so there's no telling which one has decided they need to plant something at that position.

Can anyone give the approximate position and number written on any other pegs in the platforms? Their spacing might give a clue to whether they might be OLE supports.

 

[59CosG95]

Not sure how they normally label masts tbh. The peg in my photo is marked '159 394 DF'. It was located near the main stairs onto the platforms so not too far from London Road bridge

That is exactly how they label the masts north of Bedford. Rather than going "F/159/xx", which is what they would have done if Leicester was electrified under BR, they now use the exact position of the mast north of the zero datum (in this case, STP), accurate to 3 decimal places (i.e. the nearest metre), preceded by the ELR and followed by the nearest running line.
This would therefore be "SPC5/159.394/DF".

The limit of wiring at Wigston is at SPC3/153.208/UDS+UF. So it really couldn't be anything else!

 

[duffield]

Must say I find this all a bit confusing, that there has been no official word that I've seen about progressing any sections north of Wigston, and yet various activities on the ground as reported here give the appearance that it's actually happening. I'm really not clear if there is or is not an actual budget for at least one further section to be electrified or is these preliminary works are speculative, in the hope of a budget being approved subsequently, and could turn out to be wasted if further electrification is deferred indefinitely. Maybe I'm missing something obvious here?

 

[londonmidland]

I wonder if electrification of the Up Fast and Down Fast at Leicester will be done in a similar fashion to how Bolton was done, with two single track cantilevers placed on each side, for platforms 2 and 3?

Picture shows electrification masts at Bolton station

 

[Mr. SW]

Its kilometres and "DF" presumably for "Down Fast". It's repeated on the trunking.

 

[sharpley]

I wonder if electrification of the Up Fast and Down Fast at Leicester will be done in a similar fashion to how Bolton was done, with two single track cantilevers placed on each side, for platforms 2 and 3?

I was back at Leicester this morning, the only pegs I could see were on the platform 2 side of that cable trough in my photo from yesterday, labelled '159 *** DF'. Maybe about 5 pegs along most of the length of the platform but didn't see any near to London Road bridge. It was dark though. No pegs along platform 4 but I guess the sidings are in the way there.

Would they be going to the effort of marking mast locations if piling works weren't on the cards soon?

 

[InTheEastMids]

So it really couldn't be anything else!

This is - to me - as about as unequivocal as we will get in advance of public statements or formal engagement with planning authorities.

Would they be going to the effort of marking mast locations if piling works weren't on the cards soon?

Yes, if these markers are also telling people where to do detailed ground surveys and test pits/excavations. There's been a station on the site since 1840, so who knows what unknown unknown might be lurking down there waiting to be hit by a piling rig - pipes & drains, rubble from original construction, Balrogs etc.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Must say I find this all a bit confusing, that there has been no official word that I've seen about progressing any sections north of Wigston, and yet various activities on the ground as reported here give the appearance that it's actually happening. I'm really not clear if there is or is not an actual budget for at least one further section to be electrified or is these preliminary works are speculative, in the hope of a budget being approved subsequently, and could turn out to be wasted if further electrification is deferred indefinitely. Maybe I'm missing something obvious here?

In the last 5 years I there has been a trend from what I can see, have heard and have read to NOT loudly broadcast things. In the past, politicians etc would have made a big fuss about this and that and proudly announcing in parliament that something had been approved. However, a combination of various factors, GWML. GOBLIN etc has meant there seems to have been a trend to just quietly get on with the next stage without loudly announcing things. Politicians don't like being embarrassed and definitely do not like being held to account publicly.

 

[londonmidland]

So if I understand correctly, there could be a further extension of the MML electrification from Wigston South to Leicester and beyond in the not too distant future, however this is being done ‘quietly’ without any official announcement or news?

 

[GRALISTAIR]

So if I understand correctly, there could be a further extension of the MML electrification from Wigston South to Leicester and beyond in the not too distant future, however this is being done ‘quietly’ without any official announcement or news?

Well I will try and find the official announcement that the grid feeder/National Grid connection (a long lead time item) at Kegworth has been applied for, so that would suggest that some electrification will occur in this government's lifetime probably to at least East Midlands Parkway - or even Trent South Junction.

 

[swt_passenger]

So if I understand correctly, there could be a further extension of the MML electrification from Wigston South to Leicester and beyond in the not too distant future, however this is being done ‘quietly’ without any official announcement or news?

Post #6866 is interesting on this subject, the quote tells us that Market Harborough to Wigston was an advanced part of a much larger tender. You’re quite right that it’s all a bit ‘under the radar’, and there’s a lot going on that’s been covered in this thread at the time it became known, but there’s never been the usual DFT shouting about it…

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Betwen Kettering and Wigston South Junction it’s almost finished, see 8 posts above yours.

North of Wigston South Junction, lots of prep works behind the scenes, but no official word on implementation.

I have bumped this to the top to try and confirm what I was saying.

 

[InTheEastMids]

Well I will try and find the official announcement that the grid feeder/National Grid connection (a long lead time item) at Kegworth has been applied for, so that would suggest that some electrification will occur in this government's lifetime probably to at least East Midlands Parkway - or even Trent South Junction.

The connection application/offer/agreement would normally be confidential.
The Transmission Entry Capacity register doesn't show demand connections but does show generation projects being developed to connect to the transmission system. There's some at sites originally developed to supply the railway, such as Market Harborough and Patford Bridge. There are a couple of mentions of "Kegworth B 400 kV" substation, which I am pretty sure does not yet exist... They are looking to go live in 2033/34, so presumably NGET are advising them that they expect to have something for them to connect to by then (not much help, I know).

Haven't seen anything from National Grid on Rushcliffe planning portal, but am not checking and not expecting it before the comprehensive spending review. in May 2025.
It took NGET about a 9-12 months to obtain planning permission for Market Harborough, then there was a 2.5 year gap before work started on site, and a 2 year build phase. Assuming the 2.5 year hiatus was Grayling-related, then I'd guess a planning application in mid-2025 means 2028 or 2029 for energisation.

Post #6866 is interesting on this subject, the quote tells us that Market Harborough to Wigston was an advanced part of a much larger tender.

That's still online, see: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029689-2023#amendment-1

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I may be repeating what has already been posted but notice regarding forthcoming tenders for the work to Nottingham and Sheffield appeared last month, see; https://bidstats.uk/tenders/2023/W41/808321396

10 years to 2033?

Bumping this one too as it is being discussed currently

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

The connection application/offer/agreement would normally be confidential.
The Transmission Entry Capacity register doesn't show demand connections but does show generation projects being developed to connect to the transmission system. There's some at sites originally developed to supply the railway, such as Market Harborough and Patford Bridge. There are a couple of mentions of "Kegworth B 400 kV" substation, which I am pretty sure does not yet exist... They are looking to go live in 2033/34, so presumably NGET are advising them that they expect to have something for them to connect to by then (not much help, I know).

Haven't seen anything from National Grid on Rushcliffe planning portal, but am not checking and not expecting it before the comprehensive spending review. in May 2025.
It took NGET about a 9-12 months to obtain planning permission for Market Harborough, then there was a 2.5 year gap before work started on site, and a 2 year build phase. Assuming the 2.5 year hiatus was Grayling-related, then I'd guess a planning application in mid-2025 means 2028 or 2029 for energisation.


That's still online, see: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029689-2023#amendment-1

Agree and given the MOD has had to make an urgent £500m of cutbacks today and is scrapping numerous ships and other kit despite the pressure to lift defence expenditure doubt we will hear anything anytime soon. What limited capital budget the DfT has is mostly spoke for by HS2 and TRU for next couple of years to tee up another big spend project.

 

[Mikey C]

Agree and given the MOD has had to make an urgent £500m of cutbacks today and is scrapping numerous ships and other kit despite the pressure to lift defence expenditure doubt we will hear anything anytime soon. What limited capital budget the DfT has is mostly spoke for by HS2 and TRU for next couple of years to tee up another big spend project.

A phased MML electrification programme won't break the bank though. And politically important to show support for the East Midlands...

 

[GRALISTAIR]

A phased MML electrification programme won't break the bank though. And politically important to show support for the East Midlands...

And even if announced today, the capital spending would not start until next financial year at least.

 

[76020]

Here is an article about The Spion Kop Bridge on Blaby Road which is just north of the current limit of the Electrification at South Wigston. The work on the bridge could be going ahead next summer, at the moment it is unclear if a demolition or lowering the tracks will take place.
If this is planned and being done next year Network Rail would not be doing this for nothing, so this could be evidence of Electrification north of Wigston South is going ahead sometime soon.
You do not have to log into Facebook to read the article

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[GRALISTAIR]

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After months of me lobbying and asking questions in the Commons, Network Rail have agreed to my campaign to keep Spion Kop Bridge on Blaby Road open during the coming electrification works.
During conversations I had at the start of this year Network Rail agreed to work up an option to lower the tracks, instead of shutting the bridge. At the time they were sceptical, and I was told that would be more expensive than shutting the bridge.
However, I have repeatedly warned Ministers and officials in the strongest terms that shutting the bridge would cause traffic chaos in Wigston, South Wigston and the south of Leicester. There are no good alternatives nearby, and the bridge is always very busy.
It’s great they have listened. Lowering the tracks rather than shutting the bridge avoids a potential 12 month road closure, which would have been a nightmare.
They are going to do works on the parapets on the sides of the bridge because they are not high, and there will be 25,000-volt cables running just underneath. They will probably shut one lane for some weeks, but have said the road will stay open throughout.
The actual works could be between Summer and Autumn 2025, but those are provisional dates at the moment.

The electrification agreed under the last government is a good thing, which will make the trains quieter, faster, cheaper and cleaner. But until now it has left this issue hanging over Wigston, so it is great that the bridge closure has been averted.

Hope you dont mind I have quoted it per forum rules.

 

[Bald Rick]

And even if announced today, the capital spending would not start until next financial year at least.

Three year comprehensive spending review incoming though…

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Three year comprehensive spending review incoming though…

Thanks. Forgot (being truthful I did not know!) about that.

 

[hwl]

Thanks. Forgot (being truthful I did not know!) about that.

End of Jan or Feb

 

[GRALISTAIR]

End of Jan or Feb

Well that’s not too bad then - as in not too long to wait.

 

[hwl]

Well that’s not too bad then - as in not too long to wait.

A big issue is the previous government not rebasing existing older costings etc. in the light of actual relevant inflation so lots of costs of on going stuff has shot up leaving less cash for new spending unfortunately.
Another big item is the treasury government capex limit which didn't keep up with construction inflation for years. this will be getting addressed to some extent but by how much...

 

[76020]

Well that’s not too bad then - as in not too long to wait.

The Govenment's website states that The Spending Review will conclude in Spring 2025

 

[InTheEastMids]

I had a look at stations (potentially) within the scope by MMLE in the latest usage statistics for FY 23/24, which the ORR has released today
(i.e. stations served by EMR IC or Connect services).

All stations had good year on year growth, Derby was lowest up 3.5%, the 3 other big stations in the east midlands were up 6-9%. Corby gets the gold star, up 24% to around 500k users. Who'd have thought that a regular, capacious and relatively fast (electric) service could help drive passenger growth?

Whilst no longer a particularly helpful comparison, Kettering, Leicester, Luton, Luton Airport and Market Harborough are all at similar usage levels to pre-pandemic. The rest are still somewhat below.

Overall, year on year growth across all the stations was about 9%. From the perspective of the rolling stock renewal, you do not need anything more than GCSE level maths to spot that if it continues at 9% per year, the additional capacity of a 5-car 810 (301 seats) vs a 5-car 222 (242 seats) is eaten up by 3 years of growth. Obviously it's not quite that simple because the 810 fleet is larger, but for most passengers, most of the time, that is likely to be what they experience.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Who'd have thought that a regular, capacious and relatively fast (electric) service could help drive passenger growth?

Politicians and DfT but above all His Majesty's Treasury, please take note!

 

[Merle Haggard]

I had a look at stations (potentially) within the scope by MMLE in the latest usage statistics for FY 23/24, which the ORR has released today
(i.e. stations served by EMR IC or Connect services).

All stations had good year on year growth, Derby was lowest up 3.5%, the 3 other big stations in the east midlands were up 6-9%. Corby gets the gold star, up 24% to around 500k users. Who'd have thought that a regular, capacious and relatively fast (electric) service could help drive passenger growth?

Whilst no longer a particularly helpful comparison, Kettering, Leicester, Luton, Luton Airport and Market Harborough are all at similar usage levels to pre-pandemic. The rest are still somewhat below.

Overall, year on year growth across all the stations was about 9%. From the perspective of the rolling stock renewal, you do not need anything more than GCSE level maths to spot that if it continues at 9% per year, the additional capacity of a 5-car 810 (301 seats) vs a 5-car 222 (242 seats) is eaten up by 3 years of growth. Obviously it's not quite that simple because the 810 fleet is larger, but for most passengers, most of the time, that is likely to be what they experience.

The omission of Wellingborough from the list of stations that have recovered to pre-covid levels suggests that the enthusiasm for the new electric service is not universal. How's it doing?
But it's hardly a surprise, bearing in mind the previous service standards.

 

[themiller]

Posted on Facebook in Bentley systems account.

‘The Midland Main Line (MML) is a major railway line in the UK that carries more than nine million passengers a year between London and Sheffield. This well-traveled stretch of rail is getting an electrifying upgrade.⚡

The Midland Main Line electrification (MMLE) program is a multidiscipline infrastructure project to increase capacity and provide a full overhead electrified route between London and Sheffield. Once completed it will be a significant step towards a cleaner energy mix for more sustainable travel in the UK.

SPL Powerlines UK, in partnership with Network Rail, was tasked with installing 447 single-track kilometers of overhead line equipment along the historic railway corridor.

SPL used Bentley software as the basis for its connected data environment, sending and receiving information from 20 design organizations working on the project. They also created an iTwin to improve the visibility of all design data further. The improved collaboration among stakeholders helped reduce site walkouts by 94%, ensuring safety while reducing carbon emissions and project costs.

Continued progress towards electrifying the MML helps support the UK’s net zero carbon emissions target and allows passengers to benefit from quieter, greener journeys.

#digitaltwins #energy #rail #transportation #engineering #infrastructure #sustainability’

Someone else can do the maths to determine the extent.