Monday 15 June 2015

Liar (anag.)

The current edition of Rail magazine includes an article on the Northwest electrification which marks a disappointing return to the low level of accuracy that earned it the nick-name "Liar" in the 1980s.

I was particularly startled to read that the four tracking at Huyton is in the last stages of resignalling, testing and installation.  In fact, the fourth track is isolated at both ends, has no signals, and no overhead equipment.

A map of the electrification shows the Manchester to Wigan via Walkden line as AC electrified.

Another paragraph states that twenty 319 units will be used but a further ten should move north this year, which I'm fairly sure is also wrong.


Thursday 11 June 2015

TransPennine Electrification Postponed

It has emerged today that Network Rail have postponed the project to electrify the route from Manchester to York.  No new completion date has been set.

The DfT says Network Rail has discovered more work will be needed than was originally proposed.

What effect this will have on the Northwest Sparks area is not clear, but I would guess that Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge and Guide Bridge to Stalybridge are probably under threat.  And perhaps also the fourth track through Roby and Huyton.