Birmingham–Peterborough line

Birmingham–Peterborough line
Overview
StatusOperational
OwnerNetwork Rail
Locale
Termini
Stations13
Service
TypeHeavy rail
SystemNational Rail
Operator(s)
Rolling stock
History
Opened1846
Technical
Number of tracks2
CharacterSecondary
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Loading gaugeW10
Operating speedless than 100 mph (160 km/h)
Route map

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The Birmingham–Peterborough line is a cross-country railway line in England, linking Birmingham, Leicester and Peterborough, via Nuneaton, Oakham and Stamford

Since the Beeching Axe railway closures in the 1960s, it is the only direct railway link between the West Midlands and the East of England. The line is important for cross-country passenger services, East of Peterborough, the route gives access from the Midlands to various locations in the east of England, such as Ely, Cambridge and Stansted Airport via the West Anglia lines. It is also strategically important for freight, as it allows container trains from the Port of Felixstowe to travel to the Midlands and beyond.