First electric-powered train runs between Wigan and Bolton

The first electric-powered train has run between Wigan and Bolton, marking a significant milestone in the project to improve services between the towns.

A Northern Class 323 unit made two return trips between Wigan North Western and Bolton in the early hours of Tuesday June 3 using overhead line equipment installed in a £100 million project.

Engineers monitored how the OLE performed during the test runs along the 6.5-mile line.

While the trial run started and finished at Wigan North Western, most passenger services along the route use the neighbouring Wallgate station which is not electrified.

Last month Northern amended the calling pattern for a number of services that are diagrammed bi-mode Class 769 FLEX units, introducing a stop at Ince where they will change power modes. It means Ince now has three trains an hour into central Manchester for the first time.

Platforms at Ince have also been extended, along with those at Hindley and Westhoughton.

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.”

OLE along the route went live on January 1 after a two-year project to install the wires that also included erecting 414 stanchions, reconstruction six road bridges and one footbridge, as well as modifying another 17 bridges and two level crossings.

Over the Christmas period a £100,000 high-voltage power cable that provides power to the OLE was stolen in the Lostock area.

Despite Irwin’s comments that the OLE will lead to “quieter and more reliable journeys”, Northern’s Class 769s have not been as reliable as anticipated with some Southport diagrams set to be covered by ‘Sprinter’-type diesel multiple units.

Speaking last month, Northern explained: “We will continue to work with the rolling stock company and our own engineering colleagues to manage and improve the reliability of ‘769s’ to put us in the best possible place to run the timetabled services we have diagrammed.”