In The News | 1st September 2021 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Wednesday, 1st September 2021

The latest rail news on Wednesday, 1st September 2021

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has today announced that a major upgrade to the railway line between Wigan and Bolton has been given the green light, focused on providing passengers with a greener and more reliable railway.

The track between Wigan North Western station and Lostock Junction near Bolton will receive a £78 million upgrade, targeted to complete in 2024/2025.

Through electrifying almost 13 miles of infrastructure and lengthening platforms, this investment will ensure that CO2 emitting diesel trains are replaced by electric rolling stock.

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HS2 Ltd has announced the shortlist of bidders for the contract to build the eco-friendly Interchange Station at the heart of the UK’s new high speed rail network in Solihull.

The winner of the contract, worth up to £370 million, will develop the detailed design of the station before construction begins and the station takes shape over the next few years.

The organisations invited to tender are Laing O’Rourke Construction Limited, Skanska Construction UK Limited, Unity – a Joint Venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VolkerFitzpatrick, supported by a subcontractor, WSP.

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A once in a generation overhaul of Manchester’s railway signalling system is complete to improve future journeys for passengers and freight.

Equipment which was nearly 40 years old around Trafford Park has been replaced with the latest digital technology.

Network Rail has installed a total of 23 new signals and a further 109 pieces of associated signalling equipment as part of a £36 million Great North Rail Project investment.

Network Rail has urged lorry drivers and haulage companies to take better care after a Tesco lorry bashed into a railway bridge in Plymouth.

An article on Devon Live says it happened on Monday lunchtime caused disruption for thousands of passengers and for nearly 24 hours, cut-off the only railway line into the south west.

The lorry caused huge damage to the bridge, forcing the railway line that connects Cornwall and Plymouth with the rest of the country to close.

Photo credit: HS2 Ltd

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