Wigan-Bolton electrification. Construction updates only please

[EastMidlander]

Any updates on Westhoughton station extensions?

Work is continuing on these overnight. I see this as I pass over the bridge by the station in the early hours of most weekdays. I would imagine that they must be nearly finished.

 

[wrinkley]

Work is continuing on these overnight. I see this as I pass over the bridge by the station in the early hours of most weekdays. I would imagine that they must be nearly finished.

What is this structure? There is one either side of the bridge at Westhoughton station The cable is attached to the catenary wire. I have not seen one anywhere else on the line.

 

[Elecman]

What is this structure? There is one either side of the bridge at Westhoughton station The cable is attached to the catenary wire. I have not seen one anywhere else on the line.

Looks like a Surge Arrestor if you look carefully out of the bottom is a cable attached to,the earthed metal structure

 

[pokemonsuper9]

What is this structure? There is one either side of the bridge at Westhoughton station The cable is attached to the catenary wire. I have not seen one anywhere else on the line.

I think I saw something similar near Crow Nest Jn (when approaching from Daisy Hill), but I'm not certain about that.

 

[wrinkley]

Thanks

 

[RichardAsh1981]

Looks like a Surge Arrestor if you look carefully out of the bottom is a cable attached to,the earthed metal structure

It is indeed a surge arrestor, presumably part of Voltage Controlled Clearances, but the installation seems very odd! Normally in electricity distribution one end of the surge arrestor would be simply bolted to the steelwork and provide the earth, with the other end live. This would eliminate the additional bracket and horizontal insulator and the flying earth lead. It also looks like there should be plenty of room to install it hanging downwards from the portal, saving a lot of height and that very long jumper lead (which seems to be a flashover waiting to happen when the wind blows at it).

I did find a PWI article about VCC at Cardiff which talked about mounting the surge arrestor on an insulator with a fuse and surge counter to earth - I can see why the counter for a novel project, but seems rather complex for every installation, and not clear why the fuse, which would seem likely to blow just when it is needed!

 

[td97]

Update from Kier that resignalling for AC electrical immunity is now commissioned, and electrification due for completion in early 2025.

Completion is moving ever closer on the electrification of the rail line between Wigan and Bolton for Network Rail, with signalling equipment along the route now commissioned.
The task for our team was to immunise the existing signalling equipment against potential interference from equipment being installed as part of the electrification project.
Updating and replacing existing assets will offer improved reliability and maintainability going forward.
Across the route, we designed, installed, and tested, 22 Location Cases, 17 new Signals with associated warning systems and 31 new Track Circuits. We also made alterations to the panel at Warrington Signal Box, installed new intermediate signal controls within the Wigan Relay Room Interlocking, new lineside and tail cables for all new and recontroled assets, and added new signage too.
The bulk of works between Wigan and Bolton have now been successfully delivered with just a few final checks before we handover the project. It’s expected the line will be electrified in early 2025.
Thanks to all our supply chain partners for their continued support with the project, in particular Trackwork Limited for their role in the design, materials, installation and testing of signalling equipment.

Kier Transportation on LinkedIn: #signalling #rail #infrastructure #electrification

Completion is moving ever closer on the electrification of the rail line between Wigan and Bolton for Network Rail, with signalling equipment along the route…

www.linkedin.com

 

[Foggycorner]

I was out and about on the Bolton to Wigan line today to look at the progress and the Down line Lostock Junction to Wigan is now all wired up , the Up line Wigan to Lostock Is wired apart from
the section through Ince station.
The wires on the down line through Ince looked very new and shiney with the wires at lostock end that had been missing a couple of weeks ago not quite as brite so progress indeed
On the platform extention front the platforms at westhoughton are almost finished with I would guess just the final layer of tarmc needed fences and lights to finish off

 

[GRALISTAIR]

I was out and about on the Bolton to Wigan line today to look at the progress and the Down line Lostock Junction to Wigan is now all wired up , the Up line Wigan to Lostock Is wired apart from
the section through Ince station.
The wires on the down line through Ince looked very new and shiney with the wires at lostock end that had been missing a couple of weeks ago not quite as brite so progress indeed
On the platform extention front the platforms at westhoughton are almost finished with I would guess just the final layer of tarmc needed fences and lights to finish off

Most definitely great progress. Good to hear. Thanks for the update.

 

[GhostManDN91]

Any idea if there's plans for neutral sections between Wigan NW and Lostock junction?

 

[507020]

Any idea if there's plans for neutral sections between Wigan NW and Lostock junction?

There has to be a neutral section due to different phases used for supplies on the WCML and at Lostock. It should be identifiable where it is.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

There has to be a neutral section due to different phases used for supplies on the WCML and at Lostock. It should be identifiable where it is.

I would love to know where too but can’t remember seeing a post(s) saying where. In the region of Crow Nest possibly??

 

[td97]

Any idea if there's plans for neutral sections between Wigan NW and Lostock junction?

Topical conversation!

Neutral Sections installed Wigan to Bolton. Final Adjustments tomorrow

Adam Norton on LinkedIn: Neutral Sections installed Wigan to Bolton. Final Adjustments…

Neutral Sections installed Wigan to Bolton. Final Adjustments tomorrow James Gill Dan Christmas Dean Wilson Oscar Nuñez Cam Tonks

www.linkedin.com

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Brilliant. Thanks for that. Very useful.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

Is there a track sectioning cabin that neutral section or will it be just a supply break.

 

[EastMidlander]

I've just seen a Network Rail newsletter on the My Westhoughton facebook page (sorry I'm no expert at posting links!), confirming that the wires will be energised on January 1st. Good news.

 

[GhostManDN91]

I'm guessing that the Class 769s will have power changeover at Hindley/Ince then from this date?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Dec 2024 ==

I've just seen a Network Rail newsletter on the My Westhoughton facebook page (sorry I'm no expert at posting links!), confirming that the wires will be energised on January 1st. Good news.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3hVsv2om3FrhKjHt/ link posted.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I'm guessing that the Class 769s will have power changeover at Hindley/Ince then from this date?

Well I'd imagine there's a lot of testing to do first.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3hVsv2om3FrhKjHt/ link posted.

The latest newsletter from Network Rail about the electrification scheme of the Westhoughton line.
Power goes live on the 1st January 2025, there will be no trains on New Year’s Day on the line
From Network Rail
Subject: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: 1 January 2025 energisation of railway line between Wigan and Bolton
Notification of railway line energisation between Lostock Junction and Wigan North Western Station
Network Rail is investing £100m to deliver greener and more reliable rail journeys in the North West. We are upgrading the railway between Wigan and Bolton, which involves electrifying the route and carrying out signalling improvements between Lostock Junction and Wigan North Western Station.
On 1 January at 12am we will be energising the Wigan to Bolton route.
As part of our ongoing programme to upgrade the line between Wigan and Bolton, the railway line from Lostock Junction to Wigan North Western will be electrified. As of 12am, midnight, on 1 January the Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) that is suspended above the track from along the entire railway corridor, will be live and energised.
To enable the energisation of the line there will be no trains running from 31 December at 10:30pm until 1 January 1:30pm, there will be no trains running on the line between Lostock Junction and Wigan North Western. The stations along the railway corridor, including Westhoughton, Ince and Hindley will be completely closed New Years Day to ensure the safety of the travelling public as we prepare for energisation of the line, with our workforce working overnight on New Year’s Eve. Check before you travel at National Rail.
What does the energisation mean for me?
It is extremely dangerous for any person to be in close proximity (nine feet) of the Overhead Line Equipment. There is no danger to any persons, provided they do not enter onto railway land and are always more than nine feet away from the overhead lines. This includes the use of any tools, plant or materials that may encroach onto Network Rail land or air space, which could place them in serious danger.
We would also like to advise of the risks that could arise from the use of ladders, scaffolding, cranes, hosepipes, kites, fishing rods and the emission into the atmosphere from flammable gases and vapours on or adjacent to the Network Rail boundary.
The overhead lines carry 25,000 volts of electricity and should be considered live and dangerous at all times. The electrified lines are always on, so you must always stay off.
Please be aware of this significant change to the railway environment and stay safe.
If you require any further information or have any questions about the electrified wires, please contact our National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 (open 24 hours) or if you see any unusual or suspicious activity on the railway, please contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our lineside neighbours for their support and patience as we delivered this major investment in the railway infrastructure. We are confident you will appreciate an enhanced railway experience of traveling on longer, faster and greener electric trains.

 

[507020]

I'm guessing that the Class 769s will have power changeover at Hindley/Ince then from this date?

No. “Energisation” is not “commissioning” for use by passenger services. It will be a few months. The first passenger service may be the Wigan North Western - Stalybridge Sunday service, which may require the booked traction changing from Sprinters to 323/331 from May.

 

[darylyates17]

No. “Energisation” is not “commissioning” for use by passenger services. It will be a few months. The first passenger service may be the Wigan North Western - Stalybridge Sunday service, which may require the booked traction changing from Sprinters to 323/331 from May.

May will probably be the best bet for EMUs running, good chance the 769s may be able to run on electric before that date though.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

May will probably be the best bet for EMUs running,

Assuming they're in a position to run trains on Sundays by May (so far it has only gotten worse)

 

[darylyates17]

Assuming they're in a position to run trains on Sundays by May (so far it has only gotten worse)

Wouldn't surprise me if it doesn’t happen.

 

[507020]

May will probably be the best bet for EMUs running, good chance the 769s may be able to run on electric before that date though.

We’ve seen with the 769s that each individual driver needs to be briefed of the network change before being allowed to use either the 55mph curve at Miles Platting or the wires to Stalybridge. Presumably an EMU would be allowed as soon as they can be diagrammed.

Also the Lime Street - Stalybridge service for May?

Wouldn't surprise me if it doesn’t happen.

In terms of cancellations, not it actually being possible?

 

[Geeves]

It's very unlikely that Northern would move the power change over point to Hindley Vs the current location at Bolton (safely out of the way in P5).

Issues at Hindley would cause a ripple of disruption across the entire NW of England

 

[darylyates17]

We’ve seen with the 769s that each individual driver needs to be briefed of the network change before being allowed to use either the 55mph curve at Miles Platting or the wires to Stalybridge. Presumably an EMU would be allowed as soon as they can be diagrammed.

Also the Lime Street - Stalybridge service for May?

In terms of cancellations, not it actually being possible?

Yep cancellations rather than it being possible.

 

[Legolash2o]

Apparently. It will go live/energised 1st January.

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/24777283.bolton-wigan-rail-electrification-go-live-january-1/

 

[InOban]

Apparently. It will go live/energised 1st January.

https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/24777283.bolton-wigan-rail-electrification-go-live-january-1/

As posted last Tuesday #796

 

[Legolash2o]

As posted last Tuesday #796

The one post I happened to miss. Sorry!

 

[Foggycorner]

Today I went between Bolton and Wigan and can report that the missing wires on the up line through Ince station are now in so that the whole line between wigan station jcn and lostock jcn is wired up completley
the platforms at westhoughton are just waiting for the yellow line and fence to be completed on the down side all the lights are working as well
Ince station is being rebuilt slowly and the large red iron footbridge at Hindley is again progressing slowly