A tiny proportion of journeys along this corridor are made by train because current services are slow and infrequent.

The arrival of HS2 could make it possible to double services to two per hour, capitalising on the growth in demand and passenger numbers the UK's new high speed railway will create.

We're also examining how signalling upgrades and improved safety measures at level crossings could cut journey times from 55 to 45 minutes, encouraging people currently making the journey by car to do so by rail instead.

Finding a cost-effective and practical way of improving services along this route is challenging due to the presence of a flat crossing with the busy East Coast Main Line, as well as the line’s proximity to the river Trent, A1 and A46. Midlands Connect is working with its partners Network Rail and Highways England to investigate solutions that will overcome these challenges.

A feasibility study is underway. The capital cost of delivering improvements to the corridor is estimated at £50 million