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Work begins on Bolton-Blackburn enhancements

A series of upgrades have been launched on the Bolton to Blackburn line as part of Network Rail’s massive programme to enhance and renew the London North Western (LNW) route during CP5.

The works mark the first stage of the construction and commissioning phase on NR’s CP5 LNW North panel framework.

In September last year, Network Rail awarded 20 different framework contracts with a combined value of £1.6bn.

VolkerRail secured three of these contracts for the LNW South and LNW North region, as well as the electrification and plant programme contract for LNW North.

Now the company has started work in the LNW North framework, beginning with an eight-stage 14-week blockade. Design and construction requirements will be met in partnership with Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd and Babcock International, who are delivering civil engineering and rail system works.

It will be completing track renewals, signalling, installation and testing, and commissioning works on 4,000m of existing track on the Darwen main line.

Terry Strickland, NR’s area director, said: “This essential upgrade will provide a better, more reliable railway for passengers travelling between Manchester and Clitheroe for many decades to come.”

Stuart Birch, director of major projects at VolkerRail, said the framework was a “significant milestone” for them.

The CP5 North framework is part of the wider £38bn programme by NR to renew tracks, expand capacity on trains, the electrification of 850 miles of railway line and making passenger safety improvements.