Rail disruption warning over bridge demolition

The Flying Arch bridge in Sutton Bonington will be demolished over the weekend

Commuters will face disruption over the weekend as a railway bridge in Sutton Bonington is demolished.

The Flying Arch bridge will be dismantled to make way for the potential electrification of the Midland Mainline, despite that project being paused in the summer.

The work will affect rail services on East Midlands Railway's Intercity route on Saturday and Sunday, with replacement buses in operation.

A reduced service will be in place between Sheffield, Derby and East Midlands Parkway, while buses will operate between Nottingham, East Midlands Parkway and Leicester.

In addition to potential electrification of the line, the work will also provide clearance for larger freight trains to run on the line.

Amanda Mackie, Network Rail senior sponsor, said: "This is a key step in our efforts to modernise the railway and support a greener, more efficient railway.

"We understand that work of this nature is disruptive, but by carrying out the demolition over a full weekend, with no trains running, disruption to rail services and the local community will be minimised.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank passengers and residents for their patience and understanding."

The Department for Transport announced in July it would be pausing the electrification of the Midland Mainline to focus investment on other schemes.

An agreement was reached with the department to proceed with the demolition so the line is ready for electrification and the installation of overhead line equipment if the project resumes in the future.