Major upgrades to the railway line between Wigan and Bolton have been given the green light, which will include electrification and longer electric trains
The track between Wigan North Western station and Lostock Junction near Bolton will receive a £78m upgrade.
Through electrifying almost 13 miles of infrastructure and lengthening platforms, this investment will ensure that CO2 emitting diesel trains are replaced by electric rolling stock.
‘Environmentally and passenger-centric scheme’
Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “As we build back better and create a railway that truly works for passengers, I am delighted to give this rail upgrade the go-ahead.
“This significant investment will provide a service around Greater Manchester that is better for both passengers and the environment, ensuring our railway plays its part in meeting our ambitious net zero ambitions.”
Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, commented: “To help the region recover from the pandemic, we’re turning over a new leaf thanks to the £78m investment to electrify the railway between Wigan and Lostock junction.
“This environmentally and passenger-centric scheme will be a game changer for Greater Manchester’s railway as more electric trains mean better air quality, less railway noise and more reliable and spacious journeys for rail travellers.”
Nick Donovan, managing director at Northern, added: “The electrification of the line between Wigan and Bolton will make a really positive impact for the North and will help us give our customers better journeys on greener trains.
“In the past 18 months we have made significant improvements to the Northern network with a fleet of 101 new trains, refurbishment of our older trains and enhancements at stations.
“Today’s announcement provides further evidence of the rail industry’s commitment to improve and modernise our services and infrastructure to benefit passengers and the environment.”
The upgrade project will provide 450 new overhead line equipment stanchions, and modifications to 17 bridges and two-level crossings.
Platforms will also be extended at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations to reduce overcrowding at peak times and cater for six-carriage trains in the future.
The Wigan to Bolton electrification is expected to be complete in 2024/2025.
