Rainhill Skew Bridge Controversy

An article in the St Helens Reporter says that Network Rail are in trouble over the recent work on Stephenson's famous Skew Bridge at Rainhill.  The results have been described as "horrendously botched".

Network Rail have admitted the work did not comply with the approved drawings.  They have been granted permission to undertake further work, subject to the condition that a qualified stonemason is called in.

Additional Non-Passenger Lines

There's an interesting article about the electrification project in this month's Modern Railways.  The map shows that the Ince Moss Junction to Bamfurlong Junction spur will be electrified in Phase Two.  However, the detailed Scope of Works statement in Network Rail's "CP4 Delivery Plan - Enhancements Programme: statement of scope, outputs and milestones (June 2013 Update)"  does not include this line.


Modern Railways also confirms that the connection from Ashburys to Miles Platting Junction and to Baguely Fold Junction will be included in Phase Five.

Phase Two Masts Up

I received a message today reporting that masts have been erected between Huyton and Prescot.  I believe these are  the first ones to go up on the Phase Two lines.

Bridge Works for "Phase Five"

A Network Rail press release reports the beginning of work on electrification between Manchester and Stalybridge.  Initially, two road bridges are to close for reconstruction:

Osborne Street, Collyhurst: Closed 19 August - 16 February 2014.

Henrietta Street, Ashton-under-Lyne: Closed 2 September – 21 December 2013

Temporary footbridges will be provided to maintain pedestrian access.

Residents in Ashton-under-Lyne can find out more about the project at a drop in session between 16:30 and 20:00 on Tuesday 13 August at:

Village Hotel, Ashton Moss

Pamir Drive,
Ashton-under-Lyne,
Manchester,
OL7 0LY


I note that this release describes the electrification from Manchester Victoria and Guide Bridge to Stalybridge as Phase Five of the North West electrification programme.