Manchester-Preston: what is happening?

Network Rail and the wider rail industry says the route most affected by the timetable issues is between Manchester and Preston, which is being electrified, but which has suffered delays.

It was due to be completed in December 2017, but unexpected running sand and hard rock near uncharted shallow mine workings have “significantly hampered” the installation of hundreds of steel catenary masts. NR is now using steel cylinders filled with concrete to support poor ground conditions.

The principal locations affected are Bolton, Chorley and Salford, but NR says three out of ten foundations have been unsuccessful at the first attempt at installation. Although 1,700 are in place, another 200 must be installed.

A further problem was a burst water main at Moses Gate Bridge in Bolton, which had to be repaired.

Network Rail says the route is due to be completed in the summer, in time for the December timetable change.