The first train powered by newly installed overhead electric lines has run between Wigan and Bolton after £100m of government investment to improve future railway journeys across the North West.
Footage released by Network Rail today shows a Northern service leaving Wigan North Western at 01:15 and arriving at Bolton at 01:40 on Tuesday 3 June – the first train to ever make that journey under electric power.
Technical teams monitored how the overhead lines performed as the train travelled twice between the two towns as part of a robust testing regime before electric-powered trains can enter passenger service in late summer.
Christian Irwin, Network Rail’s Capital Delivery director for the North West and Central region, said: “Seeing the first train operate in electric mode between Wigan to Bolton is a huge milestone as part of our significant investment into the railways in the North West. This moment wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership working across our supply chain, local partners and train operating companies, as well as our lineside neighbours, who we’d like to thank for their patience during construction.
“When fully operational in late summer, it will allow trains to operate in electric mode providing quieter and more reliable journeys, whilst improving air quality for communities along the 6.5-mile route. By extending the platforms at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations we have also future-proofed the railway to allow longer trains to run in the years to come.”
