MML Electrification: possible extensions/infills?

[Donny Dave]

Moderator note: Split from

MML Electrification: progress updates

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dan-butler-29a42b2b5_ready-for-the-last-wire-run-at-market-harborough-activity-7204745464418635778-daNC?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Dan Butler We completed the final wire run on L2W last night And there you have it - the final L2W wire run has...

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As I have rejoined the forum recently (and can't be bothered to wade through 244 pages in this topic), could someone recap what is going to happen electrification wise around Sheffield, and if small infill projects to Leeds and Doncaster are going to happen?

 

[Edvid]

We still don't know if the wires will reach Sheffield (nothing beyond Wigston authorised yet, other than design / surveying activities and initial grid connection considerations), but if they do it won't be until the early 2030s.

Infills (to Leeds / Doncaster etc) probably aren't going to happen.

 

[deltic08]

As I have rejoined the forum recently (and can't be bothered to wade through 244 pages in this topic), could someone recap what is going to happen electrification wise around Sheffield, and if small infill projects to Leeds and Doncaster are going to happen?

It would only need wiring between Swinton and Moorthorpe to reach Leeds if Sheffield to Doncaster is wired. That is the beauty of infill electrification as more miles are wired.

We still don't know if the wires will reach Sheffield (nothing beyond Wigston authorised yet, other than design / surveying activities and initial grid connection considerations), but if they do it won't be until the early 2030s.

Infills (to Leeds / Doncaster etc) probably aren't going to happen.

That is pessimistic.

 

[Roast Veg]

Early 2030s is probably about right for electrification to Sheffield, assuming a slow but steady pace northward with minimal disruption to service.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

It would only need wiring between Swinton and Moorthorpe to reach Leeds if Sheffield to Doncaster is wired. That is the beauty of infill electrification as more miles are wired.

Exactly

That is pessimistic.

indeed!

Early 2030s is probably about right for electrification to Sheffield, assuming a slow but steady pace northward with minimal disruption to service.

Yes, I think the politicians put minimal disruption to service quite high in the pecking order so to speak.

 

[edwin_m]

A quick search tells me that a snail travels at 0.03mph. So the 75 miles from Kettering to Sheffield would only take it about 100 days, and anyone describing this project as proceeding at a snail's pace is flattering it.

 

[Trainman40083]

It would only need wiring between Swinton and Moorthorpe to reach Leeds if Sheffield to Doncaster is wired. That is the beauty of infill electrification as more miles are wired.

That is pessimistic.

Could in full between Derby and Birmingham too by 2099, and have bimode trains.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Everyone has their opinions but to my mind these are logical:
1) Finish off MML to Sheffield as currently planned.
2) Sheffield to Doncaster
3) Sheffield to Leeds
4) Sheffield to York
5) Sheffield to Nottingham - both routes
6) Derby to Birmingham

 

[YorksLad12]

Everyone has their opinions but to my mind these are logical:
1) Finish off MML to Sheffield as currently planned.
2) Sheffield to Doncaster
3) Sheffield to Leeds
4) Sheffield to York
5) Sheffield to Nottingham - both routes
6) Derby to Birmingham

Good list. Questions:

• Is Sheffield to Doncaster going via Masborough or Central? Central has the correct infrastructure for 25kv but is currently carrying 750v for tram train.
• Does Sheffield to York (or Swinton to Church Fenton, by the time we're finished!) get enough traffic to warrant electrification?

 

[Topological]

A quick search tells me that a snail travels at 0.03mph. So the 75 miles from Kettering to Sheffield would only take it about 100 days, and anyone describing this project as proceeding at a snail's pace is flattering it.

Poor snail, no chance to stop and rest.

Also would the snail not need to come back to do the other track (plus some extra to and fro for the sections with more tracks)?

It is just good to see the MML finally getting wires, it has been a long time coming.

 

[Peterthegreat]

Good list. Questions:

• Is Sheffield to Doncaster going via Masborough or Central? Central has the correct infrastructure for 25kv but is currently carrying 750v for tram train.
• Does Sheffield to York (or Swinton to Church Fenton, by the time we're finished!) get enough traffic to warrant electrification?

Swinton to Moorthorpe certainly has enough traffic. Moorthorpe to Church Fenton only has 3 passenger trains each way.
There are however a number of freights.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Of course at the bottom end of the MML dare I suggest it ---- Bedford to Bletchley and a bit further up - Leicester to Nuneaton and Birmingham

 

[WAO]

To respond to the original question:

We don't get electrification "authorisations" like we did in BR days. We have various policy documents for what they're worth but the best indication seems to be unannounced "de-vegetation", or forming work compounds. Then there are local leaflets appologising for overnight noise, and perhaps indications of an application to National Grid for a feeder station connection.

My reading is that Govt wants to go to Sheffield but not at any price. One ploy is to do Syston to the E Midlands? next to allow more diesel saving pan-up running at lower capital cost.

Also the present Govt has proposed improved northern services, basically by electrifying around Sheffield. Something called Midland Engine also wants wires from Brum to Leicester. The next Govt is unlikely to do less (or different!).

The timescale for all this will be decades.

Others may know better.

WAO