Network Rail has made huge strides on its Transpennine Route Upgrade in Manchester raising two bridges to make way for overhead electric wires.
The bridges in Ashton-under-Lyne have been raised to allow electric wires to be set up which will become operational once work is complete.
Work between Manchester and Stalybridge to install new overhead line equipment, upgrade signalling equipment and renew some of the track is also underway.
The project currently taking place will see part of this route fully electrified and will help create a greener railway in the future.
Neil Holm, Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail spoke on the work currently underway.
Mr Holm said: “The work we’re currently doing in Manchester is a crucial step towards transforming train journeys for passengers travelling between York and Manchester.
“I’d like to thank everyone for being patient with us so far and ask passengers to plan ahead this Early May Bank Holiday as we continue this vital work.
“Buses will continue to replace Northern trains between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge over the weekend.
“TransPennine Express trains to Manchester Victoria [will divert] into Manchester Piccadilly.”
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express commented on the expected disruption caused by the improvements.
Mr Nutton said: “There will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services [and] passengers are advised to allow for additional time to travel.
“Extra support will be available for passengers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist passengers with their journeys.”
The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-million-pound project which looks to provide greener journeys between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.
Upon completion this will provide passengers with more seats, faster journey times and a more reliable railway.
Featured image - Network Rail
