icon-arrow-right icon-play icon-close
HomeProjectsNorth West Electrification Project Phase 3

North West Electrification Project Phase 3

Preston to Blackpool

VolkerRail, in partnership with Network Rail,will upgrade the railway between Preston and Blackpool.

The 17 mile route, which runs through Salwick, Kirkham & Wesham, Poulton-le-Fylde and Layton, will undergo upgrade works, enabling the line to become electrified; paving the way for improved and more reliable train journeys.

As part of the project, VolkerRail, working with Atkins, J. Murphy & Sons Limited and Siemens, will:

  • Remove and replace over 11km of track
  • Install over 1,100 overhead line structures
  • Install over 200km of overhead line cable
  • Install three footbridges

The teams will also complete platform extension work at Blackpool North station as well as the construction of a third platform and step free access at Kirkham & Wesham station.

This project forms part of Network Rail’s Great North Rail Project (GNRP) which will see improvements to the network across the north of England. The GNRP will enable hundreds more trains to run each day: more trains with more seats, running more quickly and more reliably.

"This contract is a significant milestone for the delivery of our Great North Rail Project which will help to improve journeys for passengers travelling between Preston and Blackpool."

Noel Connolly, head of programme management - Network Rail

Facts and figures

  • Client
    Network Rail
  • Duration
    2 years
  • Value
    N/A
  • Project categories
    Rail

Related News

More news

New overhead line fabrication facility opens in Crewe

An innovative approach to overhead line fabrication has led to the opening of a third fabrication facility, developed by...

History made by NWEP team at Blackpool

The railway between Preston and Blackpool has been connected to the West Coast main line by overhead electric wires for the...

Completion of major upgrade works sees trains between Preston and Blackpool South resume

After 11 weeks of closure, the railway between Preston and Blackpool South reopened Monday (29 January), following vital...

+