Ladies Lane Bridge Aerial - Credit Network Rail Air Operations

Electrification works force a six-day line closure between Wigan and Bolton

The railway line between Wigan and Bolton is set for a six-day closure, beginning this Saturday, to accommodate for upcoming electrification works.

This project comes as part of Network Rail’s £78m investment that will see the 6.5-mile stretch of railway upgraded to accommodate electric trains to serve local passengers. This route hosts two lines running in ither direction, which accumulates to 13 collective miles of track to enhance with overhead line equipment.

Preparatory works for such an installation of high-voltage electricity cables, will require key alterations to 17 structures along the route, one of which being Ladies Lane bridge in Hindley, which saw these works conducted in March.

The six days of closures will culminate on the 12th May, seeing bus replacement services available for passengers between Wigan North Western, Westhoughton, Daisy Hill, Ince and Lostock

Claire Davis, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said:

“We’ve reached the stage the railway needs to close in this important project which will one day enable cleaner, greener trains to run between Wigan and Bolton. While rail replacement buses will be in operation to keep passengers on the move, journeys will take longer, and I’d advise people to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect while travelling between 6 and 12 May.

“I’d also like to thank residents and businesses in Hindley for their continued patience and support while we carry out this major bridge upgrade, which will secure the town’s vital railway link for generations to come.”

As the UK strives to achieve overall net zero with its carbon usage and consumption, electrification projects such as this are vital to ensuring the long-term decarbonisation of public transport.

Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.  

RTM Mag Cover, Feb/March 23

RTM FEB/MARCH 23

Investing in the future of Scotland's rainforest

This issue highlights the latest topics within the rail industry, from decarbonising the Midlands, improving rail safety, meeting the future priorities of Scotland's Railway & more!                                                      

Videos...

View all videos
TransCityRail Banner

TransCityRail

South \ 28 09 23
North \ 09 11 23
Mids \ 29 02 24

TransCityRail is a series of regional, interactive and insightful events across the country bringing together leaders, collaborators, problem solvers and innovators in a creative and invigorating way.
 

This series of events supports and informs the whole of the rail industry and connects suppliers with buyers, specifiers, leaders and decision-makers looking to procure a wide variety of innovative products and services for their region.

Podcast

Episode 37 - What does the future of transport look like

This episode of Track Talk sees a discussion with Conservative MP for Milton Keynes South Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Committee. The focus of this episode revolves around disruptive technologies within the rail sector, specifically the impact that the new, innovative advancements and trends might have across all modes of transport. The Transport Committee are taking proposals from people in the sector who are in the know about innovations that deserve more attention, so we have given them the platform to discuss the process and hear what the committee is looking for. 

More articles...

View all