THE Midlands’ Sub-national Transport Body, Midlands Connect (MC), has outlined its proposals to improve journey times along the Nottingham to Lincoln corridor, aiming to make train travel more attractive, reduce car dependence and benefit the local economies.
Known as the ‘Castle Line’, the 34-mile route with 11 intermediate stations has a predominant speed of 50mph and only accounts for 10% of journeys between Nottingham to Lincoln. One of the key aspirations of MC is to increase the line speed to 75mph throughout, which along with a number of other infrastructure changes will reduce travel times from the current 51-54min levels.
Working with a number of local stakeholders, MC has completed a business case which is with the Department for Transport. With funding, the improvement work could start in April 2026 with completion in summer 2028.