Blackpool - Manchester Electrification

[Ploughman]

Dave, the kink in 4496M looks like it's the section of track shown in 4492M. That section looks like it's made up with steel, timber and concrete sleepers. Strange; maybe as a cost saving measure it was a demonstrator or sample, stolen from Railtex after the show.
As far as the kink when installed, although it's probably at the limit of misalignment, but final tensioning can pull joggles like that out, just look at the photos showing the third track near Roby whilst it was being laid. I don't remember it being like that when we did the line, my camcorder wouldn't have covered the shake from that in a 185 at 80+!

I think that the track panel in question may be a transition panel. It does not look like an Adjustment switch as no strapping rails and no timber bearers but normal looking Timber sleepers.
Possible that the Steel sleepers are on FB113 rail and the New Concrete G44? sleepers may be on CEN60 rail.
So a "Transition rail" may be needed to cater for the different rail depths.
The actual transition step would be in the middle of the 4 timber sleepers.

At a guess, The variation in alignment being the difference between the old alignment and the new. Relay as much as possible to the new 6ft dimension and have a temporary run out into the existing. Looks horrible but only a temporary measure.

May also be possible that this panel is just made of FB113 rails.
It is a requirement for a specified number of timber sleepers to be installed between Concrete and Steel sleepers. Due to different stiffness values of the sleepers. ( I am sure J Locke will know more)

In either case the panel could be installed one week then uplifted and moved forward along the track as the renewal continues, saving building it up each week.

 

[AM9]

I think that the track panel in question may be a transition panel.
Possible that the Steel sleepers are on FB113 rail and the New Concrete G44? sleepers may be on CEN60 rail.
So a "Transition rail" may be needed to cater for the different rail depths.
The actual transition step would be in the middle of the 4 timber sleepers.

May also be possible that this panel is just made of FB113 rails.
It is a requirement for a specified number of timber sleepers to be installed between Concrete and Steel sleepers. Due to different stiffness values of the sleepers. ( I am sure J Locke will know more)

In either case the panel could be installed one week then uplifted and moved forward along the track as the renewal continues, saving building it up each week.

So the likelyhood is that the kink is not part of the permanent plan, it will be straightened out before the track is finished. Current TSRs would presumably allow the kink to be traversed in the meantime.

 

[Darren R]

There have been problems today due to speed restrictions having been imposed between Kearsley and Moses Gate, with delays worsening all afternoon. Although NRE doesn't specifically say why these restrictions are in place, at least one of the cancellations was attributed to today's high temperatures. Is it nothing more than coincidence that this has happened where the works are taking place, or is it connected to the sections of temporary track?

 

[Joseph_Locke]

There have been problems today due to speed restrictions having been imposed between Kearsley and Moses Gate, with delays worsening all afternoon. Although NRE doesn't specifically say why these restrictions are in place, at least one of the cancellations was attributed to today's high temperatures. Is it nothing more than coincidence that this has happened where the works are taking place, or is it connected to the sections of temporary track?

Work on the track like tamping, reballasting and renewal all reduce the lateral stability of the track by loosening the top ballast; the effect of this is measured by the critical rail temperature (CRT), which is the rail temperature at which the disturbed track is likely to buckle, CWR or not. Not stressing CWR can also lower the CRT, as it can be stress-free at a lower temperature than usual (27 degrees C). If the predicted rail temperatures get up towards the CRT for a site then the ESRs go on until the temperature drops (or the line is blocked because the rail temperatures exceed the CRT).

You may well see blanket, nationwide TSRs go in if rail temperatures are heading for 53-55 degrees C, as any CWR stands a chance of buckling at this kind of temperature.

The railway has had this kind of system in place for 40+ years in some form - it isn't a new thing.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

According to the sectional appendix they were already long enough for 6 x 23m. Was hoping they may make them long enough for 8 x 20

No chance - have you seen Farnworth's usage numbers? 44,000 a year?

 

[Darren R]

Work on the track like tamping, reballasting and renewal all reduce the lateral stability of the track by loosening the top ballast; the effect of this is measured by the critical rail temperature (CRT), which is the rail temperature at which the disturbed track is likely to buckle, CWR or not. Not stressing CWR can also lower the CRT, as it can be stress-free at a lower temperature than usual (27 degrees C). If the predicted rail temperatures get up towards the CRT for a site then the ESRs go on until the temperature drops (or the line is blocked because the rail temperatures exceed the CRT).

You may well see blanket, nationwide TSRs go in if rail temperatures are heading for 53-55 degrees C, as any CWR stands a chance of buckling at this kind of temperature.

The railway has had this kind of system in place for 40+ years in some form - it isn't a new thing.

That makes sense - as always Mr Locke! I wondered whether it was (indirectly) connected to the works, as this is a stretch of track I've never known to suffer problems caused by the heat in previous summers.

 

[CAF397]

10mph Emergency Speed Restriction from the north end of Kearsley platform to just after Farnworth North Junction, that was over a mile at 10mph. Plus the waiting because it was a single line. It didn't make for a very comfortable journey home yesterday.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

10mph Emergency Speed Restriction from the north end of Kearsley platform to just after Farnworth North Junction, that was over a mile at 10mph. Plus the waiting because it was a single line. It didn't make for a very comfortable journey home yesterday.

That has to be heat not so much electrification/tunnel boring work.

 

[CAF397]

It was for the heat as it was basically 10mph from just before Farnworth South Jn to after Farnworth North Jn over the points and new track.

 

[LDECRexile]

Several people, including me, have commented that they haven't see Northern's services looking particularly strengthened along 'our' line.

In my case I hadn't been out and about during any peak time.

Yesterday Paul and I were changing trains at Preston when a tea-time Northern Manchester to Blackpool stopper hove into view with six on - a fine and welcome sight.

 

[thealexweb]

Several people, including me, have commented that they haven't see Northern's services looking particularly strengthened along 'our' line.

In my case I hadn't been out and about during any peak time.

Yesterday Paul and I were changing trains at Preston when a tea-time Northern Manchester to Blackpool stopper hove into view with six on - a fine and welcome sight.

That is one of only two Manchester Victoria diagrams a day that are six carriages. The money Network Rail spent on temporary platforms extensions has been a hilarious waste of money at best.

 

[Trackman]

I've been through Farnworth today, lots going on. I love how the contractors on the diggers behind the boards high up wave to the drivers and vice versa. The kink, felt it! I posted a Q about a signal (just after the station on the up line) turns out it's a distant signal now so can't go to danger. Spotted two mast bases before Salford Crescent, a bit odd. Anyway nice going through the tunnel the wrong way!

 

[LDECRexile]

Joe Callaghan has kindly sent two shots he took today at Farnworth showing, among other things, the trackbed where the southbound rails were lifted overnight.

Joe added:

'A bulldozer was preparing the new track bed near Farnworth station. The track was removed overnight toward Moses Gate.

I can hear the clanging of steel when I'm in bed!

Talking with site Manager today, he says that filling the tunnel will start maybe
today! But to me it looks as if the entrance to the tunnel has not been closed yet.

He added that the Tunnel Boring Machine could be here in about two weeks.'

I've added the shots to Joe's album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651953947345

and to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083

Thank you Joe.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
ALX400 has kindly sent four action shots of Chorley Road Skew Bridge, which reopened to road traffic today.

There's some finish still needed, such as parapet tops, but it's open for business.

I've added them to ALX400's album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651121057352

and to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083

Thank you ALX400

 

[61653 HTAFC]

That is one of only two Manchester Victoria diagrams a day that are six carriages. The money Network Rail spent on temporary platforms extensions has been a hilarious waste of money at best.

It didn't help that many of the diesel carriages freed up by phase 1 & 2 have had to cover TPE 's loss of the 170s.

 

[LDECRexile]

I've had a great day dividing my time between Lostock Lane, where bridge parts are assembled and Lostock Footbridge where the old bridge was demolished this morning and the crews are striving to get the new one in place this evening.

When I left c15:30 over half the new bases were in place. When they are done the steps then the span will be ferried down and craned in.

I won't be able to go back any further today, but if anyone else can you're pretty sure to have a good time.

The Lostock Lane store is immediately adjacent to the bridge. You have a safe and legal grandstand viewing and photography pitch from roadside.

Don't attempt to approach the footbridge from the Chew Moor end, you'll hear all and see nowt.

Approach it from Regent Road, via the public track to the golf course, the yellow "Footbridge Closed" sign is your best marker. Go up the track until the golf course starts then go left, skirting the mown greens and fairway. A footpath post with yellow arrows pointing left will give you your bearings, it's 300 yards max from the road. If you get to buildings you've gone too far.

It should be a great show, it was this morning.

Dave

PS Make sure your camera battery is charged up!
PPS wellies recommended as the grass round the site is long and damp.

 

[snowball]

This evening at Farnworth there was a train full of sleepers on the normally-down line and they were being unloaded onto the ballasted site of the normally-up line.

The train was headed by (I think) 66618 which struck me as appropriate as it's so close to the A666.

At Moses Gate, as at Farnworth, the up platform was demolished weeks ago but unlike at Farnworth they don't seem to be rebuilding it yet.

 

[Moonshot]

That is one of only two Manchester Victoria diagrams a day that are six carriages. The money Network Rail spent on temporary platforms extensions has been a hilarious waste of money at best.

I think you misunderstand.....some of the extensions ( eg Darwen and Entwistle) have been built to accomadate 4 car units, of which there are plenty running about just now. Not building these would have led to either the local door procedure being used ( invoking a time penalty ) or a lockout of the extra unit, which would cut capacity.

 

[LDECRexile]

Joe Callaghan has sent two shots of the ballast train at Farnworth yesterday. Joe is keeping us bang up to date these days, great stuff.

I've added Joe's photos to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651953947345

I've also added them to the Combined Volume, together with the ones I took in the Lostock area yesterday. They can all be seen here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083

Even if bridge demolition leaves you cold I urge you to have a look at 4528r.

Thank you Joe.

 

[LDECRexile]

Updated Bridgeoscope below.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I didn't notice any new bases on a run round Phase 4 today.
That's little progress for a month.
Worrying.

 

[Magicake]

I didn't notice any new bases on a run round Phase 4 today.
That's little progress for a month.
Worrying.

I believe you may start to see some progress in the Chorley area this week.

 

[thealexweb]

I think you misunderstand.....some of the extensions ( eg Darwen and Entwistle) have been built to accomadate 4 car units, of which there are plenty running about just now. Not building these would have led to either the local door procedure being used ( invoking a time penalty ) or a lockout of the extra unit, which would cut capacity.

I was only referring to the temporary extensions between Bolton and Preston. I am aware that permanent improvement work are ongoing on the Bolton to Clitheroe branch.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I didn't notice any new bases on a run round Phase 4 today.
That's little progress for a month.
Worrying.

Thank you for continuing to go and check the situation. The lack of progress really is worrying.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Thank you for continuing to go and check the situation. The lack of progress really is worrying.

No problem. Bit dull today in the rain...
One bit of progress to note is that they have started building the new platform at Moses Gate (Up side).
Most of the Up track towards Farnworth has been lifted and is being relaid.
And the replacement footbridge just west of Lostock is up, looking very...green!
This is the current eastern limit of mast bases, other than around Salford.

To the north of Ordsall Lane Jn a large bowstring-type structure is sitting in a building site.
Not sure where that is going (maybe not for the railway).
And the old refreshment room at Victoria has closed for refurbishment, to reopen as The Beer Room or some such.
That corner of Victoria is still a bit of a mess, it will be much better when the hoardings are down.

 

[LDECRexile]

I went out and about today, primarily to follow up on Lostock Footbridge. I have uploaded photographic evidence to support LNW's assertion that it is green.

The high spot was bumping into Joe Callaghan whilst at Farnworth.

The good news is that Dean Clough bridge is said to be opening on Friday coming.

Joe has kindly sent four more shots of Farnworth track and tunnel. I've added them to his album here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157651953947345

I've also added them, plus the ones I took, to the Combined Volume here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127646831@N03/sets/72157648767927083

Thank you Joe.

Bridgeoscope below.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I went out and about today, primarily to follow up on Lostock Footbridge. I have uploaded photographic evidence to support LNW's assertion that it is green.

Excellent pics as usual.
That "West of Scotland" artic looks a long way from home.
I suppose that means it is a Scottish-built footbridge.
It's all a massive logistics exercise, isn't it.
All going well as far as one can tell.
You can feel the "kink" in the track at Farnworth as you pass over it.
You can even see it buckle the train in 4544g.

 

[LDECRexile]

Excellent pics as usual.
That "West of Scotland" artic looks a long way from home.
I suppose that means it is a Scottish-built footbridge.
It's all a massive logistics exercise, isn't it.
All going well as far as one can tell.
You can feel the "kink" in the track at Farnworth as you pass over it.
You can even see it buckle the train in 4544g.

Thanks for the bouquet.

The bridge was indeed from Scotland. Substantial parts of the Skew Bridge are from Ireland. Murphy did Broughton Road bridge, by the look of the hoardings and by the accents on site.

I am struck by the accents I hear, all ranks from all points of the British Isles, but few brown skins and even fewer females on show over the Liverpool-Manchester and Blackpool-Manchester projects.

The characteristics I encounter most are teamwork, discipline, responsibility and pride in the job. I can count surlies on one hand, carelessness on one finger, shrugs not at all. If I was allowed only one word I'd use 'professional'.

Encouraging.

 

[PDG1949]

Excellent pics as usual.
That "West of Scotland" artic looks a long way from home.
I suppose that means it is a Scottish-built footbridge.
It's all a massive logistics exercise, isn't it.
All going well as far as one can tell.
You can feel the "kink" in the track at Farnworth as you pass over it.
You can even see it buckle the train in 4544g.

I can't get over this 'bridge-in-a-day' event at Lostock ! And I certainly think what's replaced it is a significant improvement, both structurally and environmentally - it looks as if it is part of the countryside now - and such excellent video and still documentation from Dave - I was on the edge of my seat !

 

[LDECRexile]

I can't get over this 'bridge-in-a-day' event at Lostock ! And I certainly think what's replaced it is a significant improvement, both structurally and environmentally - it looks as if it is part of the countryside now - and such excellent video and still documentation from Dave - I was on the edge of my seat !

Tremendous to see it done so well and so quickly isn't it? I'm glad you enjoyed the show.

I'm especially pleased to hear you sounding your usual self again.

Dave

 

[TrickyHex]

Does anyone know the latest regarding the actual electrification progress in view of the aftermath of the Great Western Fiasco and Balfours walking?

 

[LDECRexile]

Does anyone know the latest regarding the actual electrification progress in view of the aftermath of the Great Western Fiasco and Balfours walking?

A correspondent went down to the access point at Chorley station last night and wrote "there's plant on the line with about 8 orange men. They set off up the track towards Adlington, mast bases me thinks, there's bags of all sorts all away along the tracks at Chorley."

This fits with Jurassic's note a few days ago that we can expect action around Chorley.

I've no idea what the bigger picture is though. It's pretty remarkable that BB walking hasn't appeared in the specialist press on paper or on t'internet.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

I've no idea what the bigger picture is though. It's pretty remarkable that BB walking hasn't appeared in the specialist press on paper or on t'internet.

It was very noticeable last week that BB people were visible in large numbers on the Thames Valley project (London-Maidenhead).
Meanwhile the Edge Hill base was very empty (apart from large stocks of steelwork).
I don't know what inference to draw from that.

Edit: Balfour Beatty has just issued (another) profits warning.
It says is that two-thirds of the problems are in the UK, and cost reductions are in progress.
http://www.balfourbeatty.com/index.asp?pageid=26&newsid=664