Blackpool works progress
Work to electrify the PrestonBlackpool North/South railway continues, with overhead line equipment (OLE) connected to the West Coast Main Line during the Christmas period.
At Blackpool North the station remodelling is taking shape, with what Network Rail describes as “significant progress” made to reinstate tracks into its reconstructed platforms. OLE foundations have also been installed at the station, which is due to reopen on March 26.
At Poulton-le-Fylde, platforms are being modified to accommodate the new track alignment, which has been shifted to create space for electrification equipment.
And at Kirkham & Wesham, work on the new third platform is progressing, alongside the construction of a new footbridge and lifts which were due to be installed in the week commencing January 15 (after this issue of RAIL went to press).
Along the whole route, electrification masts are being erected. As RAIL went to press, 790 overhead line masts and 821 OLE foundations had been installed. In addition, 11,530 metres of track had been renewed, drainage works covering 7,628 metres had taken place, and 11,400 metres of troughing had been installed.
The 19-week blockade started on November 11, and in addition to the electrification it involves resignalling of the routes to Blackpool North and South, and the closure of five signal boxes at Blackpool North, Carleton, Kirkham, Poulton and Salwick.
The Blackpool South-Preston route is due to reopen between January 29 and March 25, with the route between Kirkham & Wesham and Blackpool North remaining closed until the latter date.
Electric services are due to begin in May 2018, with buses replacing trains throughout the blockade. Electric trains will be maintained at Blackpool depot, which is being electrified as part of the project.
NR spokesman Jonathan Cooke told RAIL the project is on target for completion by the scheduled date.