Network Rail has made major progress on the Transpennine Route Upgrade in Manchester after raising two railway bridges to make way for overhead electric wires.
The bridges in Ashton-under-Lyne – Southampton Street and Granville Street – have been raised to eventually allow train-powering electric wires to pass beneath them. This will help to create a cleaner, greener railway in the future.
Work to install new overhead line equipment, upgrade signalling equipment and renew sections of track between Manchester and Stalybridge is also well underway. The ongoing project will see this part of the route fully electrified.
Neil Holm, Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail, said: “The work we’re currently doing in Manchester is a crucial step towards transforming train journeys for passengers travelling between York and Manchester.
“I’d like to thank everyone for being patient with us so far and ask passengers to plan ahead this Early May Bank Holiday as we continue this vital work.”
These upgrades will also continue over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Image credit: Network Rail
