Major railway upgrades between Manchester and Stalybridge will continue this month as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Network Rail will install new trackside columns – which will eventually carry train-powering electric wires – renew one mile of track and upgrade the signalling equipment over the next few months.
This is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will bring faster, more frequent trains between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.
Two bridges in Ashton-under-Lyne – Southampton Street and Granville Street – will also be upgraded by Network Rail. Raising the height of both bridges will eventually allow electric wires to pass beneath them, making way for a cleaner, greener railway in the future.
Sections of the railway will need to be closed to carry out the work safely. Buses and diversions will be in place to keep passengers moving throughout weekends in February, March, April and May – with more work planned for later in the year. Passengers should plan ahead with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator.
Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “These major upgrades will bring us another step closer to delivering a fully electrified, more modern railway for the future. This work is part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade which will bring passengers more frequent, faster, greener trains.
“We’ve worked closely with our train operating colleagues to make sure passengers can still travel to wherever they’re headed, and I’d advise anyone wishing to travel to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey.”
Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said: “As work continues on the Transpennine Route Upgrade throughout weekends in February, March, April and May, there will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services; passengers are advised to allow for additional time to travel and to check carefully for the latest travel advice before they travel; updates will also be available on our social media channels. In addition, extra support will be available for passengers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist passengers with their journeys.”
Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: “We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move. “I would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while his vital work is carried out.”
Image credit: Network Rail
