BLACKPOOL WIRING PROGRESS

Wires erected: new overhead lines installed on the Blackpool route. Courtesy Network Rail

THE RAILWAY between Preston and Blackpool South reopened on 29 January following an 11-week closures for track upgrades and electrification work.

Network Rail is wiring the section between Preston and Blackpool North, with the route between Kirkham & Wesham and Blackpool North due to remain closed until 25 March while this work continues. The Blackpool South branch is not being electrified and will continue to be operated using diesel units.

NR said in January it had upgraded 11km of track and installed new signalling equipment, with the hourly trains to Blackpool South now controlled from the Manchester Rail Operating Centre (ROC). Replacement buses will continue to operate between Preston and Blackpool North for the remainder of the closure.