25.02.19
Final 100mph speed checks made on electrified Manchester to Preston railway
Final checks have been made on the newly electrified railway between Manchester and Preston as a test train made its last journey over the route for the arrival of 100mph in May.
During the early hours of Friday morning, the last electric high-speed train ran on the newly upgraded route as part of the multi-billion-pound Great North Rail Project.
Engineers with Network Rail made their final high-speed inspections to the track and new overhead lines whilst onboard the test train from Preston to Manchester Victoria.
Mark Ashton, sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Following the successful introduction of electric passenger trains on the Manchester to Preston railway last week, last night we completed our last test as part of the project to allow trains to run up to 100mph.
“High speed testing of the overhead wires will support the introduction of greener, faster, and more frequent trains – a key aim of the Great North Rail Project to help transform rail travel across the north.”
Electric trains can currently travel up to 75mph along the line – but once the testing is complete the speed limit will rise to 100mph.
The results of the tests will be thoroughly checked before being verified by the Office of Rail and Road, after which 100mph services can run on the route when new timetables come into effect in May.
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Image credit: Network Rail