Blackpool - Manchester Electrification

[ALX400]

Just had a nip down to Blackrod to check progress, orange army hard at it everywhere, Station Road bridge looking good, perhaps sides & decks tomorrow hopefully, looked up the track towards Chorley/Preston and there's worksite's all over the tracks putting mast bases in, caught a glimpse of a road rail machine getting loaded with concrete from the access road then off it went up towards Adlington on the down line towards Manchester, took a few photo's which should appear in the album soon, good progress being made on this stretch it seems all exciting stuff, will go and take a look at Skew Bridge in Adlington Sunday all exciting stuff

 

[LDECRexile]

Just had a nip down to Blackrod to check progress, orange army hard at it everywhere, Station Road bridge looking good, perhaps sides & decks tomorrow hopefully, looked up the track towards Chorley/Preston and there's worksite's all over the tracks putting mast bases in, caught a glimpse of a road rail machine getting loaded with concrete from the access road then off it went up towards Adlington on the down line towards Manchester, took a few photo's which should appear in the album soon, good progress being made on this stretch it seems all exciting stuff, will go and take a look at Skew Bridge in Adlington Sunday all exciting stuff

Fab, thanks for pictures, looking forward to more.

A friend and I aim to explore the line on Monday.

Dave
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Just had a nip down to Blackrod to check progress, orange army hard at it everywhere, Station Road bridge looking good, perhaps sides & decks tomorrow hopefully, looked up the track towards Chorley/Preston and there's worksite's all over the tracks putting mast bases in, caught a glimpse of a road rail machine getting loaded with concrete from the access road then off it went up towards Adlington on the down line towards Manchester, took a few photo's which should appear in the album soon, good progress being made on this stretch it seems all exciting stuff, will go and take a look at Skew Bridge in Adlington Sunday all exciting stuff

I have put your latest on your own album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651121057352/

and onto the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083/

Warm thanks and keep 'em coming!

Is anyone else taking any?

Dave

 

[LDECRexile]

Readers of the Liverpool-Manchester thread may be familiar with the Progressometer.

Please find below a first draft of a Manchester to Blackpool and Wigan NW version.

Help with populating the sections where scrapes, bases and masts are in place will be especially welcome.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Readers of the Liverpool-Manchester thread may be familiar with the Progressometer.

Please find below a first draft of a Manchester to Blackpool and Wigan NW version.

Help with populating the sections where scrapes, bases and masts are in place will be especially welcome.

Interesting that you have Salwick Signal Box as a "mileage locator". It is my understanding that as soon as resignalling starts on this section, Salwick Signal Box will go.

 

[snowball]

You'll presumably want to add another sub-table for the Windsor Link (Ordsall Lane Junction to Windsor Bridge South Junction).

Yesterday I drove under the Victoria to Salford Central section on Blackfriars Street going south, and there appeared to be wires on the northernmost tracks. This makes sense as a train between the Chat Moss line and Vic platform 5 or 6 would need to use these tracks. Presumably the wires extend as far as Deal Street junctions. These junctions are not mentioned in your table but I think they are the real starting point for wiring Vic to Euxton.

Just noticed that the newish Trackmaps (ex Quail) map shows the western approaches to Victoria twice, on pages 46A and 48B. The latter shows the layout more clearly. Also the extent of the colours representing the electrification phases is slightly different between the two pages; I suspect 48B is more accurate.

Edit: The whole thing has the heading "Phase 4". Actually phase 4 is just Manchester to Euxton; Preston to Blackpool is Phase 3 (though currently expected to finish slightly after phase 4). And Lostock Junction to Wigan is phase 7.

 

[LDECRexile]

Interesting that you have Salwick Signal Box as a "mileage locator". It is my understanding that as soon as resignalling starts on this section, Salwick Signal Box will go.

Good point, thank you. I've edited accordingly. v02 will be out when I've done the other edits helpfully sent and kindly received.

 

[LDECRexile]

You'll presumably want to add another sub-table for the Windsor Link (Ordsall Lane Junction to Windsor Bridge South Junction).

Yesterday I drove under the Victoria to Salford Central section on Blackfriars Street going south, and there appeared to be wires on the northernmost tracks. This makes sense as a train between the Chat Moss line and Vic platform 5 or 6 would need to use these tracks. Presumably the wires extend as far as Deal Street junctions. These junctions are not mentioned in your table but I think they are the real starting point for wiring Vic to Euxton.

Just noticed that the newish Trackmaps (ex Quail) map shows the western approaches to Victoria twice, on pages 46A and 48B. The latter shows the layout more clearly. Also the extent of the colours representing the electrification phases is slightly different between the two pages; I suspect 48B is more accurate.

Edit: The whole thing has the heading "Phase 4". Actually phase 4 is just Manchester to Euxton; Preston to Blackpool is Phase 3 (though currently expected to finish slightly after phase 4). And Lostock Junction to Wigan is phase 7.

Very helpful, thank you.

1. Subtable added
2. Man Vic to Salford Central split to show Deal St Jn
3.Regret don't have Quail, have now indicated key source at top of spreadsheet, should have done so before and on the Chat Moss version.
4. Changed heading to include Phases 3 and 7

Have also corrected omission of Lostock Jn to Westhoughton east end.

v02 below.

 

[snowball]

3.Regret don't have Quail, have now indicated key source at top of spreadsheet, should have done so before and on the Chat Moss version.

That's the same map I was referring to. It says "TRACKmaps" at the bottom of the front cover. Earlier editions used the "Quail" brand name. See the first two paragraphs of the preface.

 

[ALX400]

Things are moving very quickly along this line at present they seem to be getting loads done, Station Road bridge at Blackrod now has the deck down and side parapets up they have done a load of work there, I noticed road rail equipment boring holes and constructing mast bases on both sides of the track at Blackrod towards Chorley took some photos of such, Skew Bridge at Chorley has the deck down and a few parapets up its coming together nicely at all the work sites, Stump Lane in Chorley is nearly complete and Rawlinson Lane in Adlington is progressing well, it seems that they are working back from Euxton Junction towards Bolton, i'd bet masts will be visable on this section within the coming month, well hopefully

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Very helpful, thank you.

1. Subtable added
2. Man Vic to Salford Central split to show Deal St Jn
3.Regret don't have Quail, have now indicated key source at top of spreadsheet, should have done so before and on the Chat Moss version.
4. Changed heading to include Phases 3 and 7

Have also corrected omission of Lostock Jn to Westhoughton east end.

v02 below.

Looking good sir- looking good. Thanks as always

 

[ALX400]

Readers of the Liverpool-Manchester thread may be familiar with the Progressometer.

Please find below a first draft of a Manchester to Blackpool and Wigan NW version.

Help with populating the sections where scrapes, bases and masts are in place will be especially welcome.

Defo mast bases all the way between Lostock Junction to at least Chorley most look look like circular bases with 4 bolts concreted in, i remember reading somewhere a while ago that NR wanted the actual masts to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible due to the openness of the land and view on certain parts of the line which is understandable, plenty at bases on both sides at Horwich/Blackrod/Adlington

 

[thealexweb]

Defo mast bases all the way between Lostock Junction to at least Chorley most look look like circular bases with 4 bolts concreted in, i remember reading somewhere a while ago that NR wanted the actual masts to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible due to the openness of the land and view on certain parts of the line which is understandable, plenty at bases on both sides at Horwich/Blackrod/Adlington

Can I clarify something. Are you saying there are mast bases nearly ALL the way from Lostock to Chorley? If so that is enormous progress.

 

[ALX400]

Can I clarify something. Are you saying there are mast bases nearly ALL the way from Lostock to Chorley? If so that is enormous progress.

From the vantage points I have near enough yes, the railway is closed every night from about 21.30 until 04.00 the following morning during the week at present plus full closure at weekends, there's a fair few bridge closures in place which is having a massive effect on traffic and its looking like they are trying their very best to finish those early its impressive to say the least, maybe lessons learnt from elsewhere I don't know but they are like ants all over it

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Can I clarify something. Are you saying there are mast bases nearly ALL the way from Lostock to Chorley? If so that is enormous progress.

From the vantage points I have near enough yes, the railway is closed every night from about 21.30 until 04.00 the following morning during the week at present plus full closure at weekends, there's a fair few bridge closures in place which is having a massive effect on traffic and its looking like they are trying their very best to finish those early its impressive to say the least, maybe lessons learnt from elsewhere I don't know but they are like ants all over it

Absolutely glorious news. As has been said in multiple threads and places, that is the advantage of having a rolling programme of electrifcation. Mistakes get made but are learned from so each successive phase gets easier. Great news. Not as much "listed" on this bit of course.

 

[LDECRexile]

I've received seven more photos from ALX400 taken today which support his very welcome reports.

I have added them to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651121057352/

and also to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083/

Warm thanks ALX400

Dave

 

[LDECRexile]

I've updated the Bridgeometer and Progressometer as below.

Early days.

Thanks to ALX400 for the updates.

Dave

 

[snowball]

At Oldfield Road overbridge, Salford, the new deck and parapets are in place, though the road will have to be raised considerably on the north and south approaches to get up to the level of the new deck. I had a look on Saturday but had no photographic equipment, even a phone (I don't own a mobile).

Two batches of pictures were posted on SSC in January by "trinityboy":

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=120989736&postcount=2149

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=121085111&postcount=2173

 

[LDECRexile]

At Oldfield Road overbridge, Salford, the new deck and parapets are in place, though the road will have to be raised considerably on the north and south approaches to get up to the level of the new deck. I had a look on Saturday but had no photographic equipment, even a phone (I don't own a mobile).

Two batches of pictures were posted on SSC in January by "trinityboy":

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=120989736&postcount=2149

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=121085111&postcount=2173

Fab, thanks.

Bridgeometer updated and new section added at the bottom. Has anyone any info on it?

 

[LDECRexile]

I'm delighted that Graham Howarth has kindly sent 13 pictures of pre-electrification bridge works on the Fylde in 2013, and promised more to come in due course.

I've created an album just for Graham's shots here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651259517065/

and added them to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083/

Because the Combined Volume is basically in time order, latest first, Graham's shots appear towards the end, not at the beginning.

Thank you Graham

 

[AM9]

I'm delighted that Graham Howarth has kindly sent 13 pictures of pre-electrification bridge works on the Fylde in 2013, and promised more to come in due course.

I've created an album just for Graham's shots here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651259517065/

and added them to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083/

Because the Combined Volume is basically in time order, latest first, Graham's shots appear towards the end, not at the beginning.

Thank you Graham

More interesting pictures. One thing that I have noticed is the sheer volume of unused space on the trackbeds around Salford.
At Salford Crescent, which currently has quite short platforms for an urban staion with large passenger flows (by Manchester standards) and appears constrained by the curves and pointwork at each end of the site. With some remodelling of the layout, even extending/rebuilding platform(s) under the A6 bridge which has a large singel span (shown in album picture 3346c), that wouldn't require rebuilding the bridge.
Talk of needing three coach MUs in perpetuity rather than expanding the station which if the sparks effect takes its normal course would be needed anyway would seem to be a poor strategy for the line.

I've just stumbled over more information where NR are talking about improvements to the station. It's not clear whether the paltforms will take 8-car trains (160m), but it doesn't seem to involve much trach rearrangement. Would this mean that electrification work currently planned would be changed?

 

[BelleIsle]

Spotted some work north of the line between Fylde Junction and the viaduct on Saturday. Not sure if it is leccy related but there had certainly been some vegetation clearance and there was some equipment piled up ready to go.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Thank you Graham

You are welcome. The Kirkham and Wesham shots are on my computer back in England so it will be a 6 week wait - though possibly much less as there is a situation in my wifes family which will/may require a return much earlier.

 

[thealexweb]

I've just stumbled over more information where NR are talking about improvements to the station. It's not clear whether the paltforms will take 8-car trains (160m), but it doesn't seem to involve much trach rearrangement. Would this mean that electrification work currently planned would be changed?

Platforms 3 and 4 at Bolton can already fit a nine car 390 or a double 221 with all doors able to open.

 

[AM9]

Platforms 3 and 4 at Bolton can already fit a nine car 390 or a double 221 with all doors able to open.

So is Salford Crescent the only busy station that would prevent 8-car trains stopping unless they had SDO?
I cant find the sectional appendix with LNW North platform lengths.

 

[snowball]

Salford Crescent is shown as 8 cars on the Trackmaps map.

 

[Inox]

Platform 1 is 158 metres
Platform 2 is 153 metres

 

[AM9]

Platform 1 is 158 metres
Platform 2 is 153 metres

So they would need slight extensions then for 2x319s or 2x350s.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

So they would need slight extensions then for 2x319s or 2x350s.

Why were not thoughts made of longer platform faces at Salford Crescent when the recent platform face lengthenings were made?

 

[Darren R]

The problem at Salford Crescent is that it is hemmed in at both ends by junctions immediately beyond the end of the platforms. There just isn't room to extend the platforms any more than they already have been. The option of rebuilding the station north of Windsor Bridge North Jc was examined, with separate platforms on the Bolton and Atherton lines, and for a while it looked like there was a distinct possibility that this was going to happen - but then the funding wasn't available so that was that. I rather suspect that history may judge this to be a bad decision.

Regarding electrification works slightly further north, I noticed over the weekend that NRE is saying that the timetable for the Farnworth Tunnel works has not yet been finalised - any news on when the timetable will be signed-off?

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

On a pass today I counted 88+/- concrete bases on each side between Lostock and Adlington.
The splits between stations (Lostock/Horwich/Blackrod/Adlington) were 34/18/33.
The gaps in the base runs are mainly through cuttings, which might need piles.

It's a 5-mile (8km) stretch. At 15 structures per km that's 120 structures.
So overall it looks like the bases are 73% complete on this stretch.
As a proportion of the whole Windsor Bridge-Euxton Jn 38km it is 13%.

The bases run out at about MP18 and there are preparations further north up to about the Huyton Viaduct/L&L Canal.
No sign of base work north of Adlington or south of Lostock, although there is plenty of bridge work going on.
Nothing new around Salford Crescent.