Blackpool - Manchester Electrification

[Magicake]

Mast bases still seem to be behind what I'd expect, and that was before the contract was terminated. I'm only a sporadic visitor via Chorey at the moment as most of my booked work is via Eccles, so it can be a few weeks between visits. Given all the weekend and night time closures, parts of the route look untouched by the mast teams, particularly the section between Salford and Lostock. That is surprising, as if they had concentrated on that section with the mast bases, Lostock Jn to Euxton Jn could be worked on and trains diverted via Westhoughton again, so Bolton retains its train service. Instead we will probably see a total closure once the contract gets up and running again.

I believe that on site construction work is planned to restart under the new contractor around February.

There were design holdups between Salford and Lostock hence why nothing has been installed here. I don't know what the problems were but I don't think design had been finalised by the time BB pulled out.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I believe that on site construction work is planned to restart under the new contractor around February.
There were design holdups between Salford and Lostock hence why nothing has been installed here. I don't know what the problems were but I don't think design had been finalised by the time BB pulled out.

Sounds like May 2017 to complete Manchester-Preston then, at the best.
Not to mention Blackpool and Stalybridge.
Design issues are bad news. Maybe linked to how much "upgrade" to give the route?

 

[Philip Phlopp]

I believe that on site construction work is planned to restart under the new contractor around February.

There were design holdups between Salford and Lostock hence why nothing has been installed here. I don't know what the problems were but I don't think design had been finalised by the time BB pulled out.

BB were initially going to remain as the design contractor, but this fell through and a new design contractor has been required too.

There were rumours that the BB design was a bit 'flaky' but their guys have been through the mill recently - Parsons Brinckerhoff was part of BB but was spun out to stop Carillion wanting to buy BB, BB then kept bits of Parsons it needs for their current contracts, but it's all an unholy mess.

The fact BB and to a lesser extent Carillion took their eye of the ball to engage in the takeover dancing hasn't helped our electrification programs.

 

[Senex]

BB were initially going to remain as the design contractor, but this fell through and a new design contractor has been required too.

There were rumours that the BB design was a bit 'flaky' but their guys have been through the mill recently - Parsons Brinckerhoff was part of BB but was spun out to stop Carillion wanting to buy BB, BB then kept bits of Parsons it needs for their current contracts, but it's all an unholy mess.

The fact BB and to a lesser extent Carillion took their eye of the ball to engage in the takeover dancing hasn't helped our electrification programs.

I do hope the contracts were such that they are liable to pay significant compensation to NR for their failure to deliver and that they were so clearly written that there is no chance for prolonged dispute and a fee-fest for the lawyers.

 

[AngelicUpstart]

The Blackpool Gazette is running a story that states the electrification timetable has been delayed basically a year, quoting "before summer 2018" for completion.

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/n...ate-for-upgrade-to-rail-line-is-set-1-7549835

Campaigners have welcomed an announcement that rail bosses hope to complete the long-awaited upgrades to the line between Preston and Blackpool in 2018.

Fears had been growing that plans to electrify the route would be further delayed by a series of setbacks but a senior Network Rail figure has given the firmest indication yet of the timetable for the work.

 

[deltic08]

Joe Callaghan has kindly sent three photos he took today at Farnworth.

I've added them to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157651953947345

and to the Combined Volume here:

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

Thank you Joe

I stood on Sunday exactly where Joe took 5312m. There was a gap in the fencing where a machine had just left the bridge and on tip toe could just get a complete Fillie photograph. A kind Orangeman said would I like him to take a photo a bit closer from the bridge parapet which he did then handed the camera back to me. In all this time I was probably not more than two feet on the wrong side of the fence line.

Five minutes later a very aggressive orange suit approached me (by this time I was well behind an intact fence minding my own business and talking to another local photographer) threatening to call the police because I was trespassing on a building site and wanting to know the identity of the kind worker who took the photo because he was "going to get him sacked for encouraging me to trespass". Of the workers he brought before me, yes really, I honestly didn't know because of his hard hat and glasses I didn't take much notice handing over my camera or taking it back from him to get a good look.
I have never witnessed behaviour like this before at any construction site.

On a happier note, I noticed two TPEx trains passing with side destination blind reading Newcastle. Were there diversions on that day and these should have travelled via Earlestown or are there regular services from Blackpool to Newcastle that I have missed in the timetables?

 

[D1009]

On a happier note, I noticed two TPEx trains passing with side destination blind reading Newcastle. Were there diversions on that day and these should have travelled via Earlestown or are there regular services from Blackpool to Newcastle that I have missed in the timetables?

The Earlestown line was blocked on Sunday, and it looks as though the Liverpool - Newcastle service was amended to start from Blackpool.

 

[LDECRexile]

I stood on Sunday exactly where Joe took 5312m. There was a gap in the fencing where a machine had just left the bridge and on tip toe could just get a complete Fillie photograph. A kind Orangeman said would I like him to take a photo a bit closer from the bridge parapet which he did then handed the camera back to me. In all this time I was probably not more than two feet on the wrong side of the fence line.

Five minutes later a very aggressive orange suit approached me (by this time I was well behind an intact fence minding my own business and talking to another local photographer) threatening to call the police because I was trespassing on a building site and wanting to know the identity of the kind worker who took the photo because he was "going to get him sacked for encouraging me to trespass". Of the workers he brought before me, yes really, I honestly didn't know because of his hard hat and glasses I didn't take much notice handing over my camera or taking it back from him to get a good look.
I have never witnessed behaviour like this before at any construction site.

On a happier note, I noticed two TPEx trains passing with side destination blind reading Newcastle. Were there diversions on that day and these should have travelled via Earlestown or are there regular services from Blackpool to Newcastle that I have missed in the timetables?

Technically, if you strayed 2 feet onto the site you were in the wrong and, in the H&S regime which applies the gaffer could be liable if you were hurt or caused damage. One of his bounden duties is to secure the site.

That said, I've not once encountered anything of this nature in all the many hours I've spent following this and the Liverpool-Manchester electrification.

At the exact location you describe I was once on steps filming over the top of the fence. A manager sent a security man over to check me out and, when he was satisfied that I was right side of the fence he put a traffic cone next to me, with a smile.

Would you be prepared to send any of your photos or films to me to add to the Combined Volume? As you may have seen, lots of folks chip in, the only thing I won't have owt to do with is money, in either direction.

If you are up for this please send me a private message on this forum and I'll send you ways you can send me material.

I'm disappointed you had a rough ride, maybe he'd had a rough day.

 

[CAF397]

The Earlestown line was blocked on Sunday, and it looks as though the Liverpool - Newcastle service was amended to start from Blackpool.

It was Ordsall Lane Jn that was affected, so as a result the Blackpool to Manchester Airport services were diverted from Salford Crescent into Manchester Victoria. As a result, the Liverpool to Newcastle services couldn't run, so started from Manchester Victoria to Newcastle. The decision was made to combine the two services, and so a through Blackpool to Newcastle service was created.

 

[LeylandLen]

I see from RTT and National Rail website that trains are scheduled to use Moses gate and Farnworth stations on Monday December 14th( 5 weeks Monday )as opposed to buses on the previous Friday .As Fillie has done her work , is this a realistic date for train services to re-start ? I am not aware of any official announcement from Network Rail !

 

[snowball]

I see from RTT and National Rail website that trains are scheduled to use Moses gate and Farnworth stations on Monday December 14th( 5 weeks Monday )as opposed to buses on the previous Friday .As Fillie has done her work , is this a realistic date for train services to re-start ? I am not aware of any official announcement from Network Rail !

I don't think there has been any announcement but according to post #2051 they are aiming for double-track running by that date.

 

[QueensCurve]

The Blackpool Gazette is running a story that states the electrification timetable has been delayed basically a year, quoting "before summer 2018" for completion.

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/n...ate-for-upgrade-to-rail-line-is-set-1-7549835

Disappointing how much this has slipped from the dates given in "Live Wire".

Not surprising when you consider the lack of progress with remodelling/resignalling.

 

[Philip Phlopp]

Disappointing how much this has slipped from the dates given in "Live Wire".

Not surprising when you consider the lack of progress with remodelling/resignalling.

It has steadily been slipping for a while - lots of it just niggling little details which add up unfortunately, especially when you can only get 5 hours a day on-track to do things.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Disappointing how much this has slipped from the dates given in "Live Wire".
Not surprising when you consider the lack of progress with remodelling/resignalling.

Actually we haven't heard of delays to the resignalling project so far (due for Q1 2017).
It's still possible that this will happen on schedule, but much more likely that the electrification will slip a year (progress currently at a dead stop).
Or they could slip the lot if it cuts the costs overall.

 

[LDECRexile]

Joe Callaghan has kindly sent me four shots of Fillie, or bits of Fille to be more precise.

Joe took three of them from Network Rail, I publish them in good faith assuming the previous permission they kindly gave to use such shots carries over to these.

Joe took the fourth shot himself.

I've added them to Joe's album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157651953947345

and to the Combined Volume here:

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

Thank you to both Joe and Network Rail.

 

[QueensCurve]

Actually we haven't heard of delays to the resignalling project so far (due for Q1 2017).
It's still possible that this will happen on schedule, but much more likely that the electrification will slip a year (progress currently at a dead stop).
Or they could slip the lot if it cuts the costs overall.

My point was that if resignalling didn't happen before 2017, electrification was never going to be completed in 2016.

 

[snowball]

My point was that if resignalling didn't happen before 2017, electrification was never going to be completed in 2016.

2016 for Blackpool electrification hasn't been on the cards for over a year now. The official date has been Feb 2017 for a long time.

 

[LDECRexile]

Joe Callaghan has kindly sent two more shots of bits of Fillie, which he took today. It seems that remarkable progress has been made in getting her out.

I've added them to Joe's album as 5320e and 5320c here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157651953947345

and to the Combined Volume here:

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

Thank you Joe.

 

[deltic08]

It was Ordsall Lane Jn that was affected, so as a result the Blackpool to Manchester Airport services were diverted from Salford Crescent into Manchester Victoria. As a result, the Liverpool to Newcastle services couldn't run, so started from Manchester Victoria to Newcastle. The decision was made to combine the two services, and so a through Blackpool to Newcastle service was created.

Thank you so I wasn't seeing things in the fog. Be interesting to how much additional traffic was generated by a through Blackpool-Newcastle train.

55 years ago Newcastle-Blackpool trains ran via Stainmore, Tebay and down the WCML to Preston.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Technically, if you strayed 2 feet onto the site you were in the wrong and, in the H&S regime which applies the gaffer could be liable if you were hurt or caused damage. One of his bounden duties is to secure the site.

That said, I've not once encountered anything of this nature in all the many hours I've spent following this and the Liverpool-Manchester electrification.

At the exact location you describe I was once on steps filming over the top of the fence. A manager sent a security man over to check me out and, when he was satisfied that I was right side of the fence he put a traffic cone next to me, with a smile.

Would you be prepared to send any of your photos or films to me to add to the Combined Volume? As you may have seen, lots of folks chip in, the only thing I won't have owt to do with is money, in either direction.

If you are up for this please send me a private message on this forum and I'll send you ways you can send me material.

I'm disappointed you had a rough ride, maybe he'd had a rough day.

Because the fencing was open at that time, I was the only one who could assess the boundary line and possibly Mr Nice Man. Mr Officious was nowhere to be seen. He appeared from across the bridge.

I didn't have a rough ride because even if I had strayed too far by inches, I will not tolerate people with attitude and tell them so.

Teams on Manchester-Liverpool seemed much friendlier

Others have already provided you with identical shots and it was very foggy. It was for my own record to say that I had been there and seen Fillie for myself although now not in a complete state.

By all means PM me with instructions but I make no promises.

 

[LDECRexile]

The tunnel is disafillieated.*

Photos later.

*Credit or blame to Paul D Gaskell

 

[Grumpy]

The tunnel is disafillieated.*

Photos later.

*Credit or blame to Paul D Gaskell

I noticed that from a passing train approx. 1pm.

The tunnel also seemed to be better lit than Manchester Victoria (ie the murky train station, not the bit with the fancy/expensive cover for the trams).

 

[LDECRexile]

Paul and I had a look through the hole today.

I've added Paul's shots to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157649792560381

and all of our material to the Combined Volume here:

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

Thank you Paul.

 

[deltic08]

Thank you for the photos today. What an amazing site to see it gone and such a big hole inside and one left outside.

At the weekend I noticed a complete concrete ring outside the tunnel but that has now disappeared. Does anybody know why please?

What will be used to fill the bottom third to make the formation bed? Concrete or ballast?

 

[snowball]

What will be used to fill the bottom third to make the formation bed? Concrete or ballast?

I would imagine a thick layer of earth, compacted with rollers, then ballast above that. But I suppose the lower layer could be concrete instead of earth.

 

[PDG1949]

I would imagine a thick layer of earth, compacted with rollers, then ballast above that. But I suppose the lower layer could be concrete instead of earth.

if the concrete doesn't work, - bal-last.....................

 

[Norb]

What's wrong with slab track through there, it would seem to make sense from a long term maintenance perspective

 

[snowball]

What's wrong with slab track through there, it would seem to make sense from a long term maintenance perspective

Slab track is expensive. They only use it when space is tight. Space will not be tight in this tunnel.

Also slab track is low maintenance for a few decades, then it has to be replaced, disrupting services much more than they are disrupted by simply relaying ballast, sleepers and rails.

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

and all of our material to the Combined Volume here:

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

In caption 5332k you ask whether the deck of Cemetery Road bridge has been waterproofed. As it's still concrete-coloured I would say not. The waterproofing layer is usually black (basically tar or bitumen) or red (lead oxide). Haven't we seen some blue on some of the other bridges in this project? What would that be made of?

 

[davetheguard]

Newly constructed tunnels such as on the DLR in London always seem to include a side walkway these days, like a continuous platform at door height; now I know it could be argued either way whether this is a "new" tunnel or not, but will it include such a safety feature?

And with the p-way needing to access the tunnel, would it actually be safer to have the safe walkway/authorised walking route at track level? What is the standard on Network Rail for new construction?

 

[LDECRexile]

In caption 5332k you ask whether the deck of Cemetery Road bridge has been waterproofed. As it's still concrete-coloured I would say not. The waterproofing layer is usually black (basically tar or bitumen) or red (lead oxide). Haven't we seen some blue on some of the other bridges in this project? What would that be made of?

My money is on 'not', too, hence my question. I was half-hoping for a colourless version.

Here's a blue one:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/16967873396/in/photolist-rRoMBj

 

[snowball]

A couple of good disafillieated pics on the Twitter feed:

https://twitter.com/networkrailnp