£500m Midland Mainline electrification

Network Rail is preparing to start the bidding process to revive its major electrification upgrade plans.

A market engagement day is to be held for the £500m phase 3 project on the Midland Mainline upgrade this week (on the 12 July via Teams).

Rail infrastructure chiefs will set out the latest thinking for the project.

Also Network Rail will be canvassing for ideas on the most efficient delivery method to avoid cost overruns that dogged previous electrification projects.

It also plans to test with contractors its delivery, commercial and procurement proposals.

Known as the MMLe3 programme, Network Rail is looking for firms to upgrade a 155km stretch of track from Market Harborough to Sheffield.

The route has around 113 structures and works will include Overhead Line Equipment extension to Sheffield and Nottingham, route clearance to accommodate OLE extension, and increased power supply to support electric passenger services to Sheffield and Nottingham.

The project is due out to tender in September 2022.