Train lines to be electrified

Three rail routes in North West England are to be electrified, slashing journey times increasing reliability, and reducing pollution.

The elecrification programme, announced today by Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis, includes:

• 17 miles of track between Preston and Blackpool North, allowing electric trains to run between Blackpool North and Liverpool/Manchester
• 15 miles of track between Huyton and Wigan, allowing electric trains to travel between Wigan and Liverpool, via St Helens
• 25 miles of track between Euxton (near Chorley) and Manchester, allowing electric trains to operate between Preston and Manchester, via Bolton

Electrification will also increase capacity as electrified lines can accommodate longer trains.

Tags: Blackpool Transport, Bolton Transport, Chorley, Liverpool Transport, Manchester Transport, Preston Transport, St Helens, Wigan Transport