10.12.13
North west electrification phase 1 delivered
The first phase of the North West Electrification Project has been delivered successfully, Network Rail has announced.
Electric trains can now operate between Newton-le-Willows and Castlefield Junction. Direct electric services operated by FTPE will run from Manchester Airport to Glasgow from 30 December.
The five-phase, £400m project will see over 350km of track upgraded by December 2018, covering journeys from Liverpool to Manchester via Newton-le-Willows and Wigan, Preston to Blackpool, Manchester to Preston, and Manchester to Stalybridge, as well as Stalybridge through Huddersfield to Leeds, York and Selby.
Balfour Beatty Rail was awarded the phase one contract in November 2011, and the phase two contract in October 2012, with Balfour Beatty Engineering Services undetaking the power and distribution works. Invensys Rail, now part of Siemens, has responsibility for the signalling, telecoms and SCADA works.
Network Rail’s route managing director Dyan Crowther said: “Electrification of key routes in the north west will significantly improve connections between our major towns and cities, boosting the economy and providing passengers with quicker, cleaner and more frequent services provide the railway that the region’s passengers want and its economy needs.
“This is the first railway line to be electrified in England in over a decade. We have delivered this complex project, using modern standards and state-of-the-art technology, in four years from inception. We will continue to replicate the successful delivery of electrification across the north west, which will be completed in phases by December 2016.”
Rail minister Stephen Hammond said: “This is the latest step in delivering an ambitious plan to electrify the national railway infrastructure across the north. I am pleased that soon passengers on the Manchester to Glasgow and Edinburgh line will enjoy the benefits electric trains can deliver including faster journey times and more reliable services.”
Chris Nutton, programme director at First TransPennine Express, added: “This is a significant and important milestone which marks the start of a major improvement programme which will bring great benefits to the north of England.
“FTPE has delivered a £60m investment in a fleet of electric trains that will start to come into service in a few weeks and will mean a 30% increase in capacity across our network. Customers will benefit from more journey options, faster trains and better connectivity and accessibility. The procurement of these additional 40 carriages, alongside the north west electrification programme, is a great example of the industry working together and shows our commitment to providing the best possible rail travel for customers now and in the future.”
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