Rail electrification makes sparks fly
news20th September 2017
The controversial decision to cancel the electrification of major UK railway lines and promote bi-mode trains as an acceptable alternative is causing great discomfort for Parliament, with protests attracting support inside and outside Parliament.
In July, it was announced that plans for electrification were being shelved for lines between Kettering and Sheffield, Cardiff Central and Swansea and Oxenholme and Windermere.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling has since revealed that Transpennine electrification is likely to be ‘discontinuous’, and has commanded that Hitachi trains originally ordered for use on electrified lines be converted to ‘bi-mode’ (able to run on both regular and electrified lines).
Public discontent is growing outside Parliament, with environmental campaigners recently carrying a giant electric plug on a relay journey by rail from Bedford to Sheffield on Saturday, compiling a petition in opposition en route.
Chris Ruane, Welsh Labour Party MP for the Vale of Clwyd, asked Mr Grayling how much route has been electrified since 2010 and which rail electrification projects have been cancelled since 2007.
In addition, Carolyn Harris, Labour MP for Swansea East, has written to Mr Grayling, citing the ‘many angry Welsh MPs’ who have been demanding explanations since the Cardiff-Swansea scheme was scrapped.
However, in some more encouraging news, details have been unveiled about the completion of the electrification of the railway between Preston and Blackpool North, with work shifting into full force during this autumn, with work expected to be completed by the end of January 2018.
Between 11 November and 28 January, bus replacement services will take place between Blackpool North and Blackpool South to Preston so that the work can be completed quicker with no disruptions.
The project will replace more than 11km of track, create over 1,100 overhead line structures, 84 new signals and three footbridges. There will be extensions to some of the platforms at Blackpool North, as well as the construction at Kirkham and Wesham of a third platform and step-free access.
Network Rail London North Western route managing director Martin Frobisher said: “The upgrade of the line between Preston and Blackpool is the largest rail investment in the area since the 19th century. It will enable greener, quieter and more reliable train services, providing passengers and Blackpool with a railway to be proud of."
Written by Ian Johnson
