Network Rail has issued a safety warning to people living in the vicinity of the railway line between Wigan and Bolton that the new overhead electric power lines are now permanently live and carry 25,000-volts.
During the last two years, engineers have:
- installed 21 kilometres of power lines,
- erected 450 stanchions to support the lines,
- completely reconstructed six road bridges and one footbridge,
- modified 17 bridges and two-level crossings,
- completed associated signalling and track upgrades.
Final tests on the high-voltage cables have been completed successfully, and power was turned on permanently yesterday, Wednesday, 1st January.
Although powered at 25kV, the overhead lines are completely safe, so long as people maintain a distance of 2.75 metres from the cables; within that distance, the electricity can arc – like a bolt of lightning – and cause severe or fatal injuries.
Among the benefits of the £100m electrification scheme will be the ability for train operators to run longer trains and a greener, cleaner, and quieter railway for passengers and local people.
Work on the line is not finished, as station platforms are being extended at Hindley, Westhoughton, and Ince to reduce overcrowding at peak times, and to allow their use by six-carriage trains.
There was a minor setback to the completion of the work when a major cable theft was discovered over Christmas.
Even though initial tests have been completed to allow the power to be switched on, further testing and commissioning of the cables will continue to make sure they are at the right heights and tensions for the trains that will use the line.
During the coming months, test train, will operate along the the line in preparation for regulatory commissioning so that electric trains can enter service later this year.
“Turning the power on is a huge milestone in our work to electrify the line between Wigan and Bolton but with it comes an extremely important safety message. The power lines carry 25,000 volts which can be deadly if you get too close or come into contact with them. The electricity is always on, so it is important to stay off the tracks, and make sure children are aware of the dangers.”
Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail’s North West and Central region Capital Delivery Director
Responses
Does that mean that Northern could allow extra Class 323s to operate from Bolton to Wigan with the possibility of other railway lines in Lancashire to be electrified. Including the East Lancashire line that could perhaps one day be electrified.