The Case for Upgrading and Electrifying the Midland Main Line

Upgrading and electrifying the Midland Main Line is imperative for economic growth. It

would reduce travelling times between key cities, meet business demand for rail freight,

improve performance, reduce costs and carbon emissions, and deliver £450m in wider

economic benefits. Local councils, businesses and Local Enterprise Partnerships from

across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire are united in their support for this crucial

investment.

Key benefits

• Cut rail industry costs by up to £60m per year
• Reduce journey times between London and Sheffield by up to 14 minutes
• Slash carbon emissions by up to 13,000 tonnes a year
• Create hundreds of jobs during construction
• Add £450 million of wider economic benefits
• Improve freight access by providing W10 gauge clearance throughout the route
• Widen access to HS2 from areas not directly served by new stations

ARUP's full report and technical note make the case for investment. The campaign is supported by Nicky Morgan MP for Loughborough who co-ordinated a letter from East Midlands and South Yorkshire MPs to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers, in support of proposals to upgrade and electrify the Midland Main Line.