First electric train passes through Bolton

14th December 2018

Last night (13th December) saw an electric train run through Bolton for the first time, marking the latest milestone in the Great North Rail Project, a joint programme in the rail industry to transform train travel.

The Virgin Trains Class 390 'Pendolino' was used to test infrastructure along the 24-mile route between Manchester and Preston via Salford, Bolton and Chorley. The train was closely monitored by Network Rail engineers throughout the journey.

The test run marks the first of two phases to make sure all of the new electrical infrastructure functions correctly as intended. In early January, the infrastructure will be tested at higher speeds in anticipation of electric trains regularly traversing the route, offering improved passenger journey times.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail’s London and North Western route said:

“This challenging upgrade has been really disruptive for passengers and our train operating partners who use this route. We’re sorry for this. I would like to thank local people for their patience, and I hope this milestone reassures them the end is in sight.”

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Network Rail