Test runs of first electric trains to shuttle between Bolton and Wigan take place
Test runs of the first electric trains to shuttle between Bolton and Wigan took place in the early hours of Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
A six-car Northern service left Wigan North Western at 1.15am on Tuesday, travelling at its expected operational speed before arriving at Bolton 25 minutes later.
The Department for Transport (DfT) announced the £100 million, 6.5-mile route in September 2021 with a projected completion date for later this year.
The scheme has already seen platform extensions at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations, upgrades to two level crossings and 17 bridges, while six road bridges and one footbridge have been completely rebuilt.
It is part of the wider Manchester and North West Transformation Programme (MNTP), which also includes adding a third platform at Salford Crescent, the remodelling of Manchester Oxford Road and a series of improvements at Manchester Airport station.
Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy said: 'Thanks to over £100m of government money, journeys between Wigan, Bolton and Manchester are set to become more reliable and greener, with the line also being able support longer electric trains, unlocking more seats for passengers.
'Cutting-edge projects, like this one, are at the heart of the government's Plan for Change, investing in transport systems which are helping our environment, and supporting better access to jobs, education, and opportunities.'
The project has also seen the introduction of more than 400 new overhead line stanchions, 21 kilometres of power lines, as well as general signalling and track upgrades.
"Seeing the first electric train run between Wigan and Bolton is a proud moment for our teams,' said Robin Ellis, operations manager at Kier Transportation, which was responsible for the building and engineering work on the line.
'From reconstructing bridges and installing the foundations for the overhead line system, to extending platforms at key stations – this is a fantastic milestone for all involved.
'This project not only modernises the railway today, but also supports a more resilient, efficient, and environmentally conscious network for the future.
'We would like to thank the local community for their patience and support for the duration of these works and look forward to seeing the positive impact the new line will have for years to come.'
Technical teams monitored the train as it ran between the two towns, in what Network Rail called a 'robust testing regime' before bringing fully electrified services into the timetable later this summer.
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