Northampton Loop
| Northampton loop | |
|---|---|
Southbound train emerging into Roade cutting having climbed the incline on the loop line from Northampton to join the main line. The bridge in the distance is on Blisworth to Courteenhall Road
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| Overview | |
| Type | Heavy rail |
| System | National Rail |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale |
Northamptonshire East Midlands West Midlands (region) |
| Termini |
Wolverton (West Coast Main Line) Rugby (West Coast Main Line) |
| Stations | Two |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 1881 |
| Owner | Network Rail |
| Operator(s) |
London Midland Virgin Trains |
| Rolling stock |
Class 319 Class 350 "Desiro" Class 390 "Pendolino" |
| Technical | |
| Line length | Approx 23 3⁄4 miles (38.2 km) |
| Number of tracks | Two |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
| Electrification | 25 kV 50Hz AC OHLE |
| Operating speed | 75 mph (120 km/h) |
The Northampton loop is a railway line serving the town of Northampton. It is a branch of the West Coast Main Line, deviating from the faster direct main line which runs to the west. The WCML is a four track line up to either end of the Loop: the 'up' and 'down' fast tracks take the direct route while the 'up' and 'down' slow tracks are diverted via Northampton railway station.
The southern interconnect between the Northampton loop and the direct London–Birmingham main line is at Hanslope Junction, just north of Milton Keynes. The lines continue to run alongside until the two routes diverge north of Roade at the northern end of Roade cutting. The loop line then runs north east for several miles until it reaches Northampton station. After Northampton, the line heads to the north-west for around twenty miles, until it re-joins the main line at Hillmorton Junction at Rugby, just east of Rugby station. The line is a total of 23 3⁄4 miles (38.2 km) long.
The majority of passenger services on the line are provided by London Midland using Class 350 electric multiple units. Class 319 units are used for peak-hour express services between Northampton and London Euston. The service consists of three 'semi fast' trains per hour between London Euston and Birmingham New Street. There is also an hourly local service between Northampton and Birmingham. Prior to December 2012 there was also a service to and from Crewe, but a few serve the loop line during morning and evenings and hourly on Sundays.
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