Network Rail has unveiled details of a £70 million project aimed at reducing journey times on a line between London and Sheffield.

Three bridges on the Midland Main Line will be rebuilt so that trains have more headroom to travel at faster speeds.

Usually, the company would dig a deeper hole so that the tracks could be lowered, but in this case it wants to create enough space so overhead electric cables can be installed in the future.

The bridges are based in Northamptonshire and they will be closed for between five and 14 weeks so the work can be completed.

Network Rail acting route managing director Justin Page said: "This work will deliver quicker journeys for the ever-growing number of passengers on the Midland Main Line, helping to bring the region's biggest economies closer together."

The organisation recently launched a similar project that will enhance services on the West Coast Main Line.

Costing £18 million, the work will involve the replacement of four life-expired junctions and the relaying of three miles of track along the Preston to Warrington route.