Network Rail and Northern to unveil £46m state-of-the-art train depot in Wigan

Politicians and rail industry representatives will officially open a brand new £46m train depot in Wigan today

As part of the multi-million pound investment by the Department of Transport, Network Rail has constructed a new train depot next to an existing freight train yard at Springs Branch in Ince-in-Makerfield, Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Located just off the West Coast main line, the depot delivers valuable flexibility for railway operations and provides additional space for Northern to stable and maintain 24 electric and eight diesel trains overnight in preparation for services across the north the following day.

The facility, which became operational in December, has also created almost 20 new jobs locally to help maintain and move trains around the network. This includes train drivers, engineers, cleaners and logistic managers.

In total, the project has seen the construction of:

• 2,500m of new track
• 46 pylons and 2,650m of overhead line equipment
• 1,750m of walkways
• 1,000m of fencing
• 800m of track drainage
• New independent power supply
• New access road
• New mains water supply

As well as general train maintenance and stabling, the depot delivers train washing and refuelling facilities to help provide the best possible service for rail passengers.

To allow the depot to stable more services to Wigan North Western later in the year, Network Rail will begin work to alter platform bays two and three at Wigan North Western station on the West Coast main line in summer 2020.

This change will allow even more trains to stable at Springs Branch by allowing them to turn back at the station.

Photo credit: Northern

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