In both cases the links join heading south, thus permitting east-west travel avoiding Derby.

Construction of the line was authorised in 1865 and phase 1 to Weston-on-Trent was opened in 1869[2][3] by Midland Railway.

[3] The line closed to passengers in 1930 although some services for Donington Park events continued to run.

[2] The line has been used by a range of freight services including coal trains for Castle Donington Power Station which was built on the same site as the current East Midlands Gateway distribution centre which also has a connection to the line.

As of January 2020, the line is used by daily container trains from the port of Felixstowe to the East Midlands Gateway Rail Freight Interchange.