Network Rail begins electrification project
WORK has begun on a project to electrify the railway line between Manchester and Liverpool.
A detailed survey of the route has been undertaken to see what needs to be done to accommodate the 25,000 volt overhead cables that will provide electricity to drive the trains, and demolition woerk will start on a number of overhead bridges in Salford.
Two road bridges and one footbridge above the railway lines between Eccles and Patricroft are to be demolished and rebuilt at Albert Street, Old Wellington Road and Chadwick’s footbridge.
Albert Street will close for 20 weeks and cars will be diverted along a different route. Wellington St will remain open but will be restricted to a single lane with weekend closures in June, while Chadwick’s footbridge will be closed from mid-May until the end of June.
The survey found 90 structures along the route – 46 of which do not need any work. In some instances, bridges can be raised simply and in other areas tracks can be lowered.
Jo Kaye, Network Rail’s route director, said: “We have looked at all the tunnels and road and pedestrian bridges along the entire route, many of which are up to 150 years old. Some will need work to be carried out on them before the overhead power lines can be put in place.
“Having done all the background work we are now at the stage where we are ready to start on the ground.”
The 30-mile stretch to be electrified runs from Manchester Victoria to Lime Street station, including a section from Ordsall Lane Juinction to Castlefield Junction.
The first section of the line due to be electrified will complete in 2013, with the whole project (including a link to Preston and Blackpool) due to finish by 2016.
