Blackpool - Manchester Electrification

[Geeves]

According to Real time trains both 4 and 5 are in use. Whether that reflects reality I have no idea! I was thinking we would have an Airport style situation with no trains using the platform for months on end! Impressive.

 

[Joseph_Locke]

According to Real time trains both 4 and 5 are in use. Whether that reflects reality I have no idea! I was thinking we would have an Airport style situation with no trains using the platform for months on end! Impressive.

By the looks of things this morning, 5 was in use and 4 OOU to allow the copings to be worked on, but couldn't spot any switch clips on the new lead to P5 so it may have just looked out of use! I'll let you know which way tonight's train goes.

A quick look at the CIS on Tiger supports my guess (nothing on 4 at the time of writing)

 

[reg]

Platform 5 definitely in use, picture to follow.

 

[snowball]

Yes, but to a track alignment that was compromised by an unfortunate incident involving a retaining wall just south of the overline bridge - I would guess that the removal of said retaining wall, following the second flood, may have opened up the opportunity to address this compromise.

Thanks, when was the first flood? During the works two years ago or earlier?

 

[Joseph_Locke]

Thanks, when was the first flood? During the works two years ago or earlier?

It was a biblical reference ...

 

[Mollman]

I took this photo in July from the bridge at Poulton showing the severed connection. I think any dream of connecting Fleetwood to the network is dead and buried.



https://www.instagram.com/p/BW4goAylgos/

I think there is room alongside the up line for a single line from the branch, if it were an extension of Blackpool Tram operations then it would need a separate platform at Poulton anyway

 

[LDECRexile]

I travelled Southport-Bolton-Salford Crescent-Bolton-Salford Central-Bolton-Southport today.

Bolton Platform 4 closed, with evidence of edging work in hand. All except the northern end of Platform 5 is in use instead, at least 8 carriages could be accommodated. Platforms 1 and 3 in use, Platform 2 seemed to be open, but rail head not shiny. I'm not sure when a train is due there.

I had hoped to see clear leaps forward south of Bolton, but progress is patchy, perhaps the Moses Gate incident threw a spanner in the works.

There are no masts up between Agecroft Road and Squeeze Belly Entry footbridge, getting on for 5.5 miles apart. I could see no evidence of work at the foot crossings either side of the M60 bridge. There are gaps in bases near Dixon Fold and south of Cock Robin bridge. There has been progress with signalling, but there are still stretches with either bare wires at trackside or wires threaded through temporary tubing. I have no idea if progressing these is hard or easy.

There is an extra sprinkling of danglies across the masts which are up, notably Salford Crescent to Central, but even there there remains several mastless bases.

There is clear evidence that all hands have put their backs into getting traffic moving through Moses Gate, warm thanks to all concerned. The edging on the southbound platform at MG appears to have been replaced, work is in hand on the northbound platform.

The extra piling at the northern portal of Farnworth tunnel appears to be complete, but what appear to be stainless steel rods are protruding above, suggesting some sort of Bayko-like capping is to be added.

Lots of Orange in evidence working on the base for the electrical mega-thingy at Lostock Junction, but the thingy itself is not yet in place.

Bolton looks like a nice job, but I've seen nothing today to make me change my prediction for electric services starting in March-April 2018.

Photos later (including one from Reg).

 

[furnessvale]

I think there is room alongside the up line for a single line from the branch, if it were an extension of Blackpool Tram operations then it would need a separate platform at Poulton anyway

IIRC there used to be a cattle dock or similar on that side so, unless more recent works have impinged on the space, there should indeed be room on that side for a line and even a platform.

 

[Jamesrob637]

I travelled Southport-Bolton-Salford Crescent-Bolton-Salford Central-Bolton-Southport today.

Bolton Platform 4 closed, with evidence of edging work in hand. All except the northern end of Platform 5 is in use instead, at least 8 carriages could be accommodated. Platforms 1 and 3 in use, Platform 2 seemed to be open, but rail head not shiny. I'm not sure when a train is due there.

I had hoped to see clear leaps forward south of Bolton, but progress is patchy, perhaps the Moses Gate incident threw a spanner in the works.

There are no masts up between Agecroft Road and Squeeze Belly Entry footbridge, getting on for 5.5 miles apart. I could see no evidence of work at the foot crossings either side of the M60 bridge. There are gaps in bases near Dixon Fold and south of Cock Robin bridge. There has been progress with signalling, but there are still stretches with either bare wires at trackside or wires threaded through temporary tubing. I have no idea if progressing these is hard or easy.

There is an extra sprinkling of danglies across the masts which are up, notably Salford Crescent to Central, but even there there remains several mastless bases.

There is clear evidence that all hands have put their backs into getting traffic moving through Moses Gate, warm thanks to all concerned. The edging on the southbound platform at MG appears to have been replaced, work is in hand on the northbound platform.

The extra piling at the northern portal of Farnworth tunnel appears to be complete, but what appear to be stainless steel rods are protruding above, suggesting some sort of Bayko-like capping is to be added.

Lots of Orange in evidence working on the base for the electrical mega-thingy at Lostock Junction, but the thingy itself is not yet in place.

Bolton looks like a nice job, but I've seen nothing today to make me change my prediction for electric services starting in March-April 2018.

Photos later (including one from Reg).

Slightly interwoven with other threads here, but Dec 10 is 13 weeks away. That's not long now, unless another blockade is planned and I don't know about it, maybe 23 October ish for the school half term when things will be a little quieter once again for a week? So for Dec 17 change, maybe Northern should just concentrate on strengthening a few services around Manchester and Leeds with the few DMUs they will have received by then, and May '18 can be the month of big changes such as electrics to Bolton and Preston, and Sunday frequency enhancements, to name but a few things.

 

[Geeves]

There was plenty said about the liverpool wires not looking like they would be done but all of a sudden everything was up and we had electric trains. We will see.

 

[Chrisyd]

Had to get off the train in Bolton today, so managed to get some photos:

Platform 5:
by Chris Davis, on Flickr

Platform 5 unfinished canopy and platform:
by Chris Davis, on Flickr

New Style sign on Platform 5:
by Chris Davis, on Flickr

New v Old style signs
by Chris Davis, on Flickr

Great news for those of us using the Clitheroe line, on Platform 1 the signal has been replaced and moved to beyond the lift, which should allow longer trains to use the platform!
by Chris Davis, on Flickr

The new speed limit boards between Platform 3 and 4.
by Chris Davis, on Flickr

Platform 4 is currently completely out of action.

 

[LDECRexile]

Reg kindly sent a photo for publication.

I've added it to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157671732263863

I've added it and my shots from today to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157661069863633

Thank you Reg.

PS: I took a 60 second film of a train arriving at Platform 5, but it refuses to load. I'll keep trying.

 

[jonesy3001]

Reg kindly sent a photo for publication.

I've added it to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157671732263863

I've added it and my shots from today to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157661069863633

Thank you Reg.

PS: I took a 60 second film of a train arriving at Platform 5, but it refuses to load. I'll keep trying.

its working fine now.

 

[Ianno87]

Great news for those of us using the Clitheroe line, on Platform 1 the signal has been replaced and moved to beyond the lift, which should allow longer trains to use the platform!

Hooray! I was always baffled by its previous curious placement (I presume related to signal sighting around the former station building that sat astride the tracks or something).

In 1999, I did once board a northbound 47 + 6 Mk 2s* that did fit between the signal and the start of Platform 2...just!

(*XC service diverted via the S&C, with calls at Darwen and Blackburn!)

 

[Joseph_Locke]

Great news for those of us using the Clitheroe line, on Platform 1 the signal has been replaced and moved to beyond the lift, which should allow longer trains to use the platform!

MP9239 has also moved north, by about 25m, allowing Clitheroe-bound services on this platform to be longer too. Glad to be of service!

Just to add to the news, Clifton ATS seems complete, but more importantly the earths were up on the transmission cable crossing between Lostock and Horwich, indicating that diversion of said cables should be imminent ...

 

[snowball]

Two press releases, little if any new info:

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/feeds/railway-through-bolton-reopens/

Passengers can travel by train between Bolton and Manchester again after the line reopened early following emergency repairs to a bridge which was badly damaged by a burst water main.

The Moses Gate railway bridge, near Bolton, was damaged on 17 August when the burst pipe caused a section of it to collapse onto the railway below and created a hole in the road above.

The line through the area fully reopened today (6 September) however, due to recent wet weather which has delayed some work, Moses Gate station will be closed until later in the week while work continues to complete upgrades as part of the electrification of the line.

Andy Morgan, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This has been an extremely challenging repair programme and we have been working 24/7 to get passengers moving between Bolton and Manchester. To repair the bridge, we have rebuilt a large section of wall which supports the bridge and make it stronger.

“We have been working at Moses Gate station to make sure it is ready for electric trains to run. However, due to the recent wet weather, it has slowed progress meaning the station will be temporarily closed until later in the week.

“I would like to thank all passengers for their patience during this complex situation.”

Liam Sumpter, Northern regional director, said: “We look forward to welcoming customers back to Bolton from Wednesday as we restart our full train service for journeys into Manchester.

“We want to thank all of our customers for their help and understanding over the last week.”

Before the water main burst, the railway through the area was already closed because of upgrade work at Bolton station as part of the Great North Rail Project. The station and railway between Bolton and Manchester was due to open on Monday 28 August. The work at the station – which included remodelling of the tracks, station platforms and signalling systems – was completed on time as planned and is part of plans to upgrade and electrify the railway to provide passengers with better, more reliable trains.

Although a completion date for work to the road is yet to be confirmed it is expected reopen within the original six week estimate.

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/feeds/preston-to-blackpool-railway-upgrade-is-the-biggest-since-1800s/

• Nineteen weeks of work to upgrade Blackpool’s railway from 11 November
• Buses replacing trains during railway closures
• Network Rail and Northern working together to deliver the Great North Rail Project

Train passengers were today advised to prepare for a major railway transformation in Blackpool.

The purpose of the work is to make the railway bigger and better to carry the increased numbers of people forecast to want to travel by train in the future.

From 11 November the Great North Rail Project, part of Britain’s Railway Upgrade Plan, is embarking on 19 weeks of work which will affect travel to and from the seaside town.

During this time Network Rail will carry out vital upgrades to track and platforms at Blackpool North and Kirkham & Wesham stations. We are also upgrading the signalling system on both lines to Blackpool which includes installing 84 new modern signals which will help to make journeys more reliable.

For Network Rail to do this work sections of the railway will need to close to Northern train services. Buses will replace trains during these closures.

Between Saturday 11 November and Sunday 28 January 2018 the railway will be completely closed between Preston and Blackpool North and Blackpool South stations.

Between Monday 29 January 2018 and Sunday 25 March 2018 the railway between Preston and Blackpool South will reopen but the railway between Kirkham & Wesham and Blackpool North will remain closed.

The upgrade forms part of the Great North Rail Project to improve journeys between Blackpool and Preston and across the north of England.

When the upgrades is complete Blackpool-to-Preston passengers will benefit from a cleaner, greener, quieter and more reliable railway.

Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s London North Western route managing director, said: “The upgrade of the line between Preston and Blackpool is the largest rail investment in the area since the 19th century. It will enable greener, quieter and more reliable train services, providing passengers and Blackpool with a railway to be proud of.

“As Blackpool’s economy grows, the railway is growing too and we are working with the wider industry and our Blackpool region partners to keep the people of Blackpool and the Fylde on the move throughout the closure. There is never a good time to carry out this type of work but we have planned it to take place outside of the main holiday season so it causes the least impact.

“I am confident the short-term pain will certainly be worth the long-term gain of transformed train travel in future.”

Sharon Keith, regional director at Northern, said: “The upgrade of the line between Preston and Blackpool is a key phase of the modernisation of the railway in the north of England.

“The work will pave the way for further improvements for our customers who, in the future, will benefit from brand new or fully refurbished electric trains – resulting in better journeys and, thanks to further investment, better stations.

“I’d like to thank our customers in advance for their understanding and patience whilst this essential work takes place.”

Transport Minister Jesse Norman, said: “This vital upgrade is part of the government’s biggest investment in the network since Victorian times and will mean more seats, better connections, and more reliable journeys for rail passengers.

“We recognise there will be temporary disruption, but the benefits for passengers will be significant when complete. We are investing billions of pounds in transport across the region and I am delighted that this project is on track to deliver what passengers have told us they want to see.”

For more information please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/blackpool

 

[edwin_m]

It's insurance, to make sure the driver understands that they are taking the turnout route. That way, all turnout moves look the same and all look different from a move forward on the main line. You could also (in theory) have a had a shunt route forward from MP9239 to behind MP638 on the Up (to an LOS and then shunt to 4) but I'm suspecting that even Ops couldn't justify it.

Required by standards as a result of the Didcot derailment in 1968(?) when the driver failed to slow to cross to the main at Foxhall Junction, momentarily thinking that the line straight ahead into the power station was the continuation of the Down Relief which actually ended there.

 

[LDECRexile]

Please see Trackworker's comment on Photo 8276k

Can anyone corroborate, refute or otherwise?

 

[Joseph_Locke]

Please see Trackworker's comment on Photo 8276k

Can anyone corroborate, refute or otherwise?

so iv been told the platform 3 and 4 has been scrapped

I think if you swap "scrapped" for "indefinitely postponed until someone decides they want to stop there as part of a franchise" then that would be my understanding, yes.

In the puzzle that is Salford Central I don't think it's the end of the world

 

[Geeves]

You can add that GMPTE, Salford and Manchester Councils will be once again having to put the begging bowl out. The errant OHLE/ signalling that sits in the way somewhere and the fact that TPE's new trains no longer fit in the station also doesn't help either. Not sure if they ever wanted to stop in the first place.

The original sum now only covers the adjustments and upgrades to platform 1 and 2.

 

[CdBrux]

You can add that GMPTE, Salford and Manchester Councils will be once again having to put the begging bowl out. The errant OHLE/ signalling that sits in the way somewhere and the fact that TPE's new trains no longer fit in the station also doesn't help either. Not sure if they ever wanted to stop in the first place.

The original sum now only covers the adjustments and upgrades to platform 1 and 2.

So if I understand local authorities wanted something (platforms 3 & 4) that NR had no plans for and TOC's don't seem to want. Local authorities secured the funding.
Meanwhile NR designs other upgrade work (electrification & signalling) that does not provide passive permission for the two platforms? A case of 'not my idea' vs listen to (one of) your customers?

 

[YorkshireBear]

So if I understand local authorities wanted something (platforms 3 & 4) that NR had no plans for and TOC's don't seem to want. Local authorities secured the funding.
Meanwhile NR designs other upgrade work (electrification & signalling) that does not provide passive permission for the two platforms? A case of 'not my idea' vs listen to (one of) your customers?

I think passive provision has been provided.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

The temporary speed restriction through Moses Gate is now a lot more than 20mph.
I didn't see the yellow sign but it felt more like 40/50 today.

After the first trip round the works today for 6 weeks, I can only echo LDECRexile's comments on progress.
Preston-Blackpool continues to impress, with a lot of steelwork now up, much of it with registration gear.
The gap between Salwick and Kirkham is pretty much closed, leaving just the extended Kirkham station area to do.
The new Up line at Kirkham is clearly visible over much of its length, though work on the new platform is not obvious.
A lot of work is in progress in the sidings near the Blackpool North throat (now down to 4 platforms, 3-6).
Most of the bases that have gone in recently seem to be of the large-footprint concrete type (also on the Euxton-Salford section, also now east of Victoria).
There are some places where a concrete base has gone in close to a metal pile - the former being the real base and the latter just the anchor.
It shows how hard it is to judge progress by counting bases!

Euxton-Salford is a real curate's egg of progress.
Euxton Jn is wired for the first few hundred yards towards Buckshaw.
I didn't see any earth wiring anywhere on the Down line.
There are still gaps at stations (where the large yellow plates on some platforms probably hide mast bases), and Chorley tunnel/arches.
There are then odd gaps throughout the route, but it's hard to be precise as there's a lot of TTC kit which confuses the view from one side of a train.
Plenty of masts but little registration gear between Lostock and Bolton.
Bolton itself was too complex to take in at one view. There seemed much electrification work still to do, even on the newly operational route through P5.
No masts east of Farnworth (Down line anyway), but there is a cluster at Agecroft and more comprehensively through Salford Crescent and towards the existing wired routes.
I still can't see how the western platform face at Salford Crescent is going to be wired - maybe something fixed on the station awning?
It all looks too much for December completion.

 

[InOban]

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news...ew_transport_hub_as_commuters_praise_Skylink/

 

[Bullfield WEst]

Today (Thursday) Orangemen were tearing up the platform edge with a mini digger on P4. This was down the platform where the Northern Training School is.
Had a trip to Stalybridge and went through Moses Gate at about 40 mph. On the return, we crawled past the very large concrete columns at well under 20mph. The concrete seemed to be very close to the side of our 142 when passing, reminded me of using the "old" tunnel at Farnworth.
Nice to arrive in Platform 5 again after what is at least 40 years.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

After the first trip round the works today for 6 weeks, I can only echo LDECRexile's comments on progress.
Preston-Blackpool continues to impress, with a lot of steelwork now up, much of it with registration gear.
The gap between Salwick and Kirkham is pretty much closed, leaving just the extended Kirkham station area to do.

Euxton-Salford is a real curate's egg of progress.

outstanding thanks for the update.

 

[themiller]

When a landslip like the one at Moses Gate railway bridge occurs, do Network Rail take-off the opportunity to improve (cut back) the slope or do they reinstate at the original profile?

 

[YorkshireBear]

When a landslip like the one at Moses Gate railway bridge occurs, do Network Rail take-off the opportunity to improve (cut back) the slope or do they reinstate at the original profile?

depends on whether they own the land and whats at the top of the slope....

I think the landslip was not caused by its angle though...

 

[Foggycorner]

Moses gate was caused by the water main under the road at the top of the embankment bursting and flooding under pressure insde the embankment behind the retaining wall and the abutment wall leading to the colapse of the retaining wall and weakning of the abutment

 

[LDECRexile]

Wrinkley has kindly sent recent shots of Lostock and Bolton.

I've added them to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157654034635234

and to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/albums/72157661069863633

Thank you Wrinkley.