Manchester - Liverpool Electrification

[LNW-GW Joint]

Warrington-Earlestown is a short enough stretch on WCML that even a 142 isn't a problem, but Warrington-Wigan is a good deal further.

They usually route this on the Up Slow (reversible) line in both directions, so it only impacts the WCML fasts at Winwick Jn.

 

[Wavertreelad]

Any more wiring up?

What I believe is the return wire now appears to run along the whole length of the cutting between Rathbone Road and as far as I can see east from Mill Lane Bridge, but the main wire is missing, I guess this might go up during the blockade in July and in the meantime the teams, or as my wife called them orange army will concentrate getting other parts of the route up to the same stage.

 

[DJH1971]

What I believe is the return wire now appears to run along the whole length of the cutting between Rathbone Road and as far as I can see east from Mill Lane Bridge, but the main wire is missing, I guess this might go up during the blockade in July and in the meantime the teams, or as my wife called them orange army will concentrate getting other parts of the route up to the same stage.

They need to now, as they need to get a wiggle on.

 

[Class 170101]

Any evidence of feeder station contruction for these projects yet?

 

[LDECRexile]

Any evidence of feeder station contruction for these projects yet?

Please see post of 17th June 20:14 (p129 of this thread)

extract below

Notes: Electrification
Edge Hill to Wavertree only new mbs shown, older masts also exist
Bryn to Wigan NW only new mbs shown, older masts also exist
Ince Moss branch bases visible, but no masts yet
mbs in stations not shown, eg Prescot has two large "arch" masts
The rock 'canyon' N of Eccleston Pk will have side fixings, not mbs
Bases & scrapes east of Sankey viaduct, both sides of tracks
Lineside equipment installed (signalling?) Edge Hill-Broad Green
Extensive work on northbound platform at Bryn
Lineside equipment installed (signalling?) Bryn-Wigan
Lineside equipment installed (signalling?) Huyton-Whiston
Substantial electrical gear in place at Tuebrook Sidings
Substantial electrical gear in place at Huyton Quarry
Substantial lengths of "Return Wire" hanging nr Garswood and Bryn
Substantial lengths of "Power Wires" hanging nr Garswood and Bryn
Length of wires hanging in Olive Mount cutting, Liverpool
Length of "Return Wire" hanging between Eccleston Pk & Prescot
New signals lying near WTechPk, Collins Green, Whiston & Rainhill
Greaser at Earlestown definitely on back of flange against checkrail
Trackwork and signalling at Earlestown appears complete.
Huyton, Rainhill and Earlestown stations have no masts, bases or scrapes.
All other stations from Wavertree Tech Pk to St Helen Jct have at least one.

 

[DJH1971]

Please see post of 17th June 20:14 (p129 of this thread)

extract below

Notes: Electrification
Edge Hill to Wavertree only new mbs shown, older masts also exist
Bryn to Wigan NW only new mbs shown, older masts also exist
Ince Moss branch bases visible, but no masts yet
mbs in stations not shown, eg Prescot has two large "arch" masts
The rock 'canyon' N of Eccleston Pk will have side fixings, not mbs
Bases & scrapes east of Sankey viaduct, both sides of tracks
Lineside equipment installed (signalling?) Edge Hill-Broad Green
Extensive work on northbound platform at Bryn
Lineside equipment installed (signalling?) Bryn-Wigan
Lineside equipment installed (signalling?) Huyton-Whiston
Substantial electrical gear in place at Tuebrook Sidings
Substantial electrical gear in place at Huyton Quarry
Substantial lengths of "Return Wire" hanging nr Garswood and Bryn
Substantial lengths of "Power Wires" hanging nr Garswood and Bryn
Length of wires hanging in Olive Mount cutting, Liverpool
Length of "Return Wire" hanging between Eccleston Pk & Prescot
New signals lying near WTechPk, Collins Green, Whiston & Rainhill
Greaser at Earlestown definitely on back of flange against checkrail
Trackwork and signalling at Earlestown appears complete.
Huyton, Rainhill and Earlestown stations have no masts, bases or scrapes.
All other stations from Wavertree Tech Pk to St Helen Jct have at least one.

They need to really hurry up now.

 

[The Planner]

It is still over 5 months until the December timetable change where proper usage is meant to happen, I can't see it being that far behind to be a big risk.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Going back 12 months, BB had already started installing bases on the Wigan line while wiring continued on Phase 1.
So you would expect them to be starting up on the Bolton or Stalybridge lines about now (given they are not doing Blackpool yet).
I agree they are getting on fine for Phase 2 completion by the end of this year.

 

[DJH1971]

It is still over 5 months until the December timetable change where proper usage is meant to happen, I can't see it being that far behind to be a big risk.

It's just the perceived lack of progress in certain areas, especially as no masts at Huyton and Roby yet, and yes I do know that have to get the other platforms done.

 

[snowball]

Going back 12 months, BB had already started installing bases on the Wigan line while wiring continued on Phase 1.
So you would expect them to be starting up on the Bolton or Stalybridge lines about now (given they are not doing Blackpool yet).

12 months ago, Phase 2 was 18 months from its completion date. Today, phases 4 and 5 are 30 months from their completion date. So we can't expect them to be so advanced.

Phase 3 seems to be slipping (because of the signalling or whatever, not the electrification) at a rate of more than 1 month per month.

 

[8A Rail]

Please see post of 17th June 20:14 (p129 of this thread)
New signals lying near WTechPk, Collins Green, Whiston & Rainhill

New signals for Whiston and Rainhill - seems very strange as they were replaced / resited about two years ago and as far as I am aware in connection with a forthcoming electrification scheme.

In the meantime, the second mast has been erected at Whiston Station, just now waiting for overhead stanchion when ever that may be. Other than that no new masts in or around that area. Only one mast in place between Ropers Bridge (Dragon Lane) and Greenes Road Bridge. Still clear between Huyton and Roby Stations also with still plenty of work to be done at the latter station although the lift shaft's / columns are now getting the brickwork built around them. As for the platforms, slow progress indeed although work is been carried out.

 

[Starmill]

It's quite possible that is the case. I understand you not sharing your E-mail address though.

Kind regards,

Aidan.

Be not too disheartened...
You could always use the contact us form to ask a member of staff to enable PMs for you? Or just post two more times!

 

[61653 HTAFC]

It is still over 5 months until the December timetable change where proper usage is meant to happen, I can't see it being that far behind to be a big risk.

It's just the perceived lack of progress in certain areas, especially as no masts at Huyton and Roby yet, and yes I do know that have to get the other platforms done.

They need to have the wires up and ready to go a good while before the timetable change though- crews need training on the 319s (and would route knowledge need refreshing once the wires are up?) and there's only so much that can be done inside Allerton depot!

 

[edwin_m]

They could train the crews on the traction on another route such as Liverpool-Crewe if necessary, and if route re-familiarization is needed that could be done using diesel traction.

 

[Llama]

Route refamiliarisation won't be necessary, there are comprehensive briefings for the new route characteristics for all drivers who sign all or part of the routes; guards are being given their own briefs.

 

[Bald Rick]

Phase 3 seems to be slipping (because of the signalling or whatever, not the electrification) at a rate of more than 1 month per month.

Doesn't that break the laws of physics? Or has superman spun the world backwards again?

 

[snowball]

Doesn't that break the laws of physics?

Sadly not, it happens at times with projects. Six months ago phase 3 was due for completion spring 2016, now it's spring 2017.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

New signals for Whiston and Rainhill - seems very strange as they were replaced / resited about two years ago and as far as I am aware in connection with a forthcoming electrification scheme.

In the meantime, the second mast has been erected at Whiston Station, just now waiting for overhead stanchion when ever that may be. Other than that no new masts in or around that area. Only one mast in place between Ropers Bridge (Dragon Lane) and Greenes Road Bridge. Still clear between Huyton and Roby Stations also with still plenty of work to be done at the latter station although the lift shaft's / columns are now getting the brickwork built around them. As for the platforms, slow progress indeed although work is been carried out.

Some new progress to report:
There is a mast base at the Liverpool end of P3 at Earlestown, so the west to south curve will be wired.
Two new runs of return wiring are in place on the Down line of the Wigan branch, between Pilkington's and Thatto Heath, and from Eccleston Park to west of Prescot.

In the jumble of works at Huyton and Roby, the new P4 platform faces are pretty much complete with white edging, though they won't see trains for a year at least.
Meanwhile the P3 platforms, which need to be ready first, are still under construction.
At Huyton access to the town centre is temporarily along the new P4, while the new trackbed is constructed over the town subway.

The resignalling seems to cover Wavertree-Earlestown, plus beyond Prescot on the Wigan line.
Judging by where the bases have been sited, I think some of the route near Roby will get double TTCs (twin track cantilevers) rather than a portal over all four tracks.
There's also a number of metal piles at the new Roby junction which still have to go in.
In fact there's still a massive amount to do in this area.

 

[DJH1971]

Some new progress to report:
There is a mast base at the Liverpool end of P3 at Earlestown, so the west to south curve will be wired.
Two new runs of return wiring are in place on the Down line of the Wigan branch, between Pilkington's and Thatto Heath, and from Eccleston Park to west of Prescot.

In the jumble of works at Huyton and Roby, the new P4 platform faces are pretty much complete with white edging, though they won't see trains for a year at least.
Meanwhile the P3 platforms, which need to be ready first, are still under construction.
At Huyton access to the town centre is temporarily along the new P4, while the new trackbed is constructed over the town subway.

The resignalling seems to cover Wavertree-Earlestown, plus beyond Prescot on the Wigan line.
Judging by where the bases have been sited, I think some of the route near Roby will get double TTCs (twin track cantilevers) rather than a portal over all four tracks.
There's also a number of metal piles at the new Roby junction which still have to go in.
In fact there's still a massive amount to do in this area.

Looks like more orange army recruits are needed now.

 

[HUY2ROB]

At 2 o'clock this afternoon, the public subway at Huyton was open.It looks as though there will be no access to platforms 2&3.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

At 2 o'clock this afternoon, the public subway at Huyton was open.It looks as though there will be no access to platforms 2&3.

I passed through today at about 1130, and people were still having to navigate via the reopened railway P1/P2 subway and then the temporary route via P4.
I suppose both subways will now remain open.

 

[AidanCroft]

Be not too disheartened...
You could always use the contact us form to ask a member of staff to enable PMs for you? Or just post two more times!

Good idea!

Aidan.

 

[The Planner]

They need to have the wires up and ready to go a good while before the timetable change though- crews need training on the 319s (and would route knowledge need refreshing once the wires are up?) and there's only so much that can be done inside Allerton depot!

Considering the amount of route clearance Northern wants for 319s having routes available for training is not an issue. As Edwin mentions, Liverpool Crewe is down as a training route.

 

[Class 170101]

It should also be noted that TPE trained their crews on 350s between Crewe and Carnforth and presumably used 170s / 185s to cover the gap between Manchester and Wigan before the wiring was finished.

 

[driver_m]

They need to have the wires up and ready to go a good while before the timetable change though- crews need training on the 319s (and would route knowledge need refreshing once the wires are up?) and there's only so much that can be done inside Allerton depot!

Its actually road learning, not refreshing due to the new track and signalling. Virgin is doing this now for the Lime St drivers (along with everyone doing the Wolverhampton signalling renewals)
At a guess there must be a run of 390's to try and overload the OHLE before it is allowed to be used properly as was done on the Chat Moss itself.

 

[jonesy3001]

It should also be noted that TPE trained their crews on 350s between Crewe and Carnforth and presumably used 170s / 185s to cover the gap between Manchester and Wigan before the wiring was finished.

Probably the 185s dont think the 170s are cleared for the WCML.

 

[L+Y]

Is Huyton signalbox to be demolished in the July blockade, or will it linger a while? Is the box even closed yet?

 

[WatcherZero]

They seemed to be pouring the last mast base on the eastern approach to Victoria, couple of men were doing some work on the overhead just south of Wigan NW around Arrow Wood, the NMT was parked up in the bay at NW and a dozen NR staff were looking at the end of the platforms.

They also appeared to be installing a new sewer under Wallgate bridge.

 

[DJH1971]

They seemed to be pouring the last mast base on the eastern approach to Victoria

Especially as wiring is about to take place between Ordsall Lane Junction and Deal Street Junction shortly, apparently.

 

[driver9000]

It should also be noted that TPE trained their crews on 350s between Crewe and Carnforth and presumably used 170s / 185s to cover the gap between Manchester and Wigan before the wiring was finished.

The training was done between Preston and Carlisle with the LM 350s transferring to Crewe for exam. No 170s were used between Manchester and Wigan.