GB Railfreight (GBRf) has formally recognised the growing importance of one of Network Rail’s key seasonal maintenance hubs by naming locomotive 66745 ‘Wigan Springs Branch’.
The naming ceremony brought together colleagues and guests from both Network Rail and GBRf, highlighting the strong partnership underpinning year-round rail network resilience. The event was attended by GBRf Chief Executive Officer John Smith OBE and Chief Operating Officer Ian Langton.
The recognition follows GBRf’s expansion at Wigan Springs Branch, where operations began last year and have rapidly established the location as a critical hub for Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) services. The depot currently maintains ten Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), forming a core part of GBRf’s five-year contract with Network Rail to deliver essential seasonal treatment across the UK rail network.
Growing operational importance in the North West and beyond
From Wigan Springs Branch, GBRf runs six daily MPV circuits covering key routes across North West England and North Wales. These include services supporting Merseyrail, Manchester and Blackpool, ensuring consistent coverage across some of the region’s busiest passenger and freight corridors.
The site also plays a wider role in supporting the network, with teams maintaining four locomotives based at Mossend in Scotland—demonstrating the depot’s strategic importance beyond its immediate geography.
MPVs central to year-round railway safety
Multi-Purpose Vehicles remain vital to maintaining safe and reliable rail operations throughout the year. Their versatility enables them to respond to seasonal challenges, including:
- Removing leaf mulch to improve rail adhesion during autumn
- Applying anti-icing treatment, particularly across the Merseyrail network in winter
- Carrying out weed-spraying and vegetation management in spring and summer
Under its current contract, GBRf will continue to deliver these critical services—including leaf-fall treatment, snow and ice management, and vegetation control—across much of Britain’s rail network until at least 2030.
Industry recognition for frontline teams
Speaking at the event, Ian Langton, Chief Operating Officer at GB Railfreight, said:
“Keeping the railway moving throughout the year relies on the professionalism, commitment and expertise of our people to ensure people and goods arrive at their destination on time. The team at Wigan Springs Branch plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, reliable railway, helping passengers travel with confidence and ensuring freight reaches its destination whatever the conditions.
“Naming locomotive 66745 ‘Wigan Springs Branch’ is a fitting recognition of the hard work, dedication and pride shown by the team every day. Their contribution is essential in keeping the railway in the North West and Scotland moving safely and efficiently”
A strategic partnership delivering resilience
The naming of locomotive 66745 highlights the importance of collaboration between GBRf and Network Rail in tackling seasonal operational challenges. As climate variability continues to test infrastructure resilience, hubs such as Wigan Springs Branch will play an increasingly central role in safeguarding performance across the UK’s rail network.
Image credits: GBRf
