This year Network Rail will implement several large projects as part of a programme of more than £1bn (€1.3bn) of rail improvements in the north of England. In order to increase the capacity and the reliability of passenger train journeys the infrastructure manager will deliver track renewals, resignalling and other enhancements, and station upgrades.
Preparatory work started in October 2015 on the Ordsall Chord – a new section of railway linking Manchester’s Piccadilly and Victoria stations, which will open up opportunities for new direct rail links, supporting the delivery of faster, more frequent services to towns and cities across the north of England. Work to build its foundations began in January this year.
One of Network Rail’s biggest current modernisation projects is the electrification of Britain’s railway. Electrification of the line between Manchester and Preston is progressing well – and is expected to be completed in December 2017. The lines between Manchester, Liverpool and Wigan have already been electrified, with operator Northern Rail running longer and faster electric trains between the cities since March 2015.
In addition, as part of the national stations improvement programme, Network Rail is revamping five of the stations operated by Merseyrail.
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