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
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerNetwork Rail
LocaleNorthamptonshire
East Midlands
West Midlands (region)
Termini
StationsTwo
Service
TypeHeavy rail
SystemNational Rail
Operator(s)London Northwestern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Rolling stockClass 319
Class 350 "Desiro"
Class 390 "Pendolino"
History
Opened1881
Technical
Line lengthApprox 23+34 miles (38.2 km)
Number of tracksTwo
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC OHLE
Operating speed75 mph (120 km/h)
Route map

(Click to expand)

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. Generally, fast express trains run via the direct line, while freight and slower passenger services run via the loop line.

The southern interconnect between the Northampton loop and the direct LondonBirmingham 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.[1]

  1. ^ Elliott, Peter H. (1982). "Rugby's Transport History" (PDF). pp. 128–133. Retrieved 9 November 2021.