WCML ongoing OHLE renewal.

[GRALISTAIR]

Just got an email from Network Rail stating that major work with lights and noise will happen in my area December 24th -27th involving replacing the contact wire and catenary. So basically Preston to Catterall area. I will also post photos during the work if possible.

Hello Graham,

Dear Neighbour,

Railway work near your home - Renewals at Preston

Network Rail is due to start work near your property, and we wanted to give you some additional information about the times we will be working and what the project will involve.
We are undertaking Overhead Line Electrification (OLE) renewals works on the rail infrastructure, the works will involve the removal and replacement of the Contact & Catenary wires with all associated in-span equipment. It will also help keep train services safe and reliable for passengers and train drivers.
To complete the work, we will be using our OLE Train, heavy plant machinery, site lighting and hand tools. We understand the inconvenience and disruption our work may cause. The type of equipment and machinery we use does mean some disturbance is unavoidable, but we will make every effort to minimise any unnecessary noise.
The work will take place on the following dates and times:-
• 24th December 2025 (20:00) until 27th December 2025 (10:00)
We work around the clock to keep the railway running smoothly for passengers and freight. Our work is often noisy, late at night and on weekends. The nature of the tasks means we can't prevent all noise, but our teams will try to minimise this as much as possible. We're sorry if we disturb you.
All staff and contractors are briefed on working responsibly in the local community. We expect staff to be considerate, polite, and courteous always and keep noise to a minimum where possible.

Yours sincerely,

Community Relations
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. You can reach our dedicated 24-hour National Helpline at 03457 11 41 41 or visit our website at https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/contact-us

 

[nlogax]

Just got an email from Network Rail (I will post extract later), stating that major work with lights and noise will happen in my area December 24th -27th involving replacing the contact wire and catenary. So basically Preston to Catterall area. I will also post photos during the work if possible.

NR obviously knew you'd be over here for Xmas!

 

[RGM654]

I note "It will also help keep train services safe and reliable for passengers and train drivers." Why "also"? Isn't that the main, if not only, reason for renewal?

 

[Dr Hoo]

I note "It will also help keep train services safe and reliable for passengers and train drivers." Why "also"? Isn't that the main, if not only, reason for renewal?

Ageing assets of any type usually need more frequent inspection and maintenance as they reach end of life. May be issues with availability of spare parts and so on.
Quite apart from the fact that they can be part of a steady programme of work; better than having to respond to failures.

It’s not just about reliability and safety.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Also line past my house was wires strung etc mid/late 1973 with squadron electric service May 1974 so the kit is over 50 years old. So due for some Tender Loving Care aka TLC

 

[edwin_m]

Also line past my house was wires strung etc mid/late 1973 with squadron electric service May 1974 so the kit is over 50 years old. So due for some Tender Loving Care aka TLC

The 1960s wiring on the southern WCML was replaced during the upgrade around the turn of the century, so after 35 to 40 years of service. The wiring north of Weaver Junction has therefore lasted longer, but has been subject to less electric traffic than further south.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

The 1960s wiring on the southern WCML was replaced during the upgrade around the turn of the century, so after 35 to 40 years of service. The wiring north of Weaver Junction has therefore lasted longer, but has been subject to less electric traffic than further south.

Indeed. Btw, I have a feeling they willl just do renewals even though a lot of AutoTransformer upgrade kit has already been installed.

 

[zwk500]

Indeed. Btw, I have a feeling they willl just do renewals even though a lot of AutoTransformer upgrade kit has already been installed.

so this isn't part of that Project Trilink? https://www.railengineer.co.uk/trilink-the-intelligent-renewal-of-west-coast-main-line-north/

Or was Project Trilink just a really fancy way of describing 'renewal of life-expired assets'?

 

[BorderCollie]

I think NR have stopped calling it 'Trilink' now and it's simply 'West Coast Mainline North Programme'.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I was under the impression that the WCML fast lines were rewired during WCRM (c2005), resulting in the current 125mph line speed and the tilt speed profile, Crewe-Carstairs.
So was anything north of Weaver Jn touched during WCRM?
There have been some upgrades between Crewe and Preston (50mph junctions etc).
It's obvious there are still power supply problems in places (eg Crewe-Weaver Jn).

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Nothing north of Euxton Jct. Some AT kit installed but never finished.

 

[The Planner]

so this isn't part of that Project Trilink? https://www.railengineer.co.uk/trilink-the-intelligent-renewal-of-west-coast-main-line-north/

Or was Project Trilink just a really fancy way of describing 'renewal of life-expired assets'?

Effectively yes, though there is a fair bit of other stuff planned with the loops etc.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

So this will be my view of the works. As you can see from the second photo, my house overlooks the start of the Barton Loop 4 miles north of Preston.

 

[micktrain]

nice to refurbish the best of best ole for Windermere slower branch traffic or dollis hill branch

 

[Bald Rick]

Next Christmas much of New St OLE is being renewed.

 

[The Planner]

Next Christmas much of New St OLE is being renewed.

Only a third of it. Its a multi year job.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Next Christmas much of New St OLE is being renewed.

Only a third of it. Its a multi year job.

I am glad I read both post before replying. I was about to say that will be a total shutdown and a freaking huge job

 

[D365]

I think NR have stopped calling it 'Trilink' now and it's simply 'West Coast Mainline North Programme'.

Presumably easier to invent an acronym out of this new name.

 

[Scotrail88]

So given what was planed - is it simple renewals or any improvements

 

[The Planner]

So given what was planed - is it simple renewals or any improvements

The majority is OLE renewal.

 

[mbga8mjb]

I witnessed this on Christmas Day, while walking the dog. The workers waved at the kids which was kind of them

 

[GRALISTAIR]

What section exactly please?

 

[mbga8mjb]

What section exactly please?

From just south of the bridge over the guild wheel north of m55 to roughly where the road bridge is near Newsam Hall Lane in Broughton. There were three engineering trains working the section on the northbound but the southbound was also dismantled / wip at the time

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Darn - missed it. I was on holiday with my grandchildren. Right outside my house.

However, I tried to take high quality photos and hopefully you can see the northbound line at the start of the Barton Loop has shiny new copper contact wire.

I think photo marked WCML new wires shows it best.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

So I know this does not fit in with the thread title but I did not think it worth starting another one. 10 days of work on WCML Preston to Lancaster April 10th to April 20th. Renewal of OHLE of 1973 vintage.

EDIT - I changed the thread title.