NR sets November target for Bolton upgrade

Network Rail plans to complete its Bolton upgrade work on November 4 - just over a month before the start of the new December timetable, and 23 months after electric trains should have been running on the route.

Electric train testing is due to take place overnight on October 1, 8, 15 and 22. Minor work will continue until February 15 next year, says NR. This includes a nineday closure on the Manchester-Bolton-Preston line from August 25 to September 2, with buses replacing trains.

NR’s London and North Western Route Managing Director Martin Frobisher said: “I’m sorry for the further short-term disruption that this work will cause, but please don’t lose sight of the longterm improvements which will be delivered. In future, electricpowered, greener, faster, more frequent, more spacious, more reliable trains will become the norm through the Bolton corridor.”

NR had announced on January 5 that delays meant electric trains would not run on the route from May 20 as planned. This was blamed on unforeseen poor ground conditions hampering engineers’ progress in installing foundations for masts to carry overhead power lines. NR said delays were compounded by the collapse of lead contractor Carillion.

Amey has replaced Carillion as the main contractor, and NR said progress is accelerating with three problem foundations from a total of 1,659. There are still 117 overhead line catenary masts (from a total of 1,519) to install.

The project has included widening and rebuilding Farnworth Tunnel, remodelling of tracks and platforms through Chorley and Bolton stations, the renewal of 13,883 metres of track, replacing 93 signals, and the laying of 236,000 metres of cables.