Blackpool Bridge Replacement

Cliveblackpool · 12 Dec 2011

The road bridge on Tithebarn Street between Poulton and Carleton is set to be demolished and rebuilt from next summer as part of plans to electrify the railway between Preston and Blackpool.
Network Rail have confirmed the programme of work is set to go ahead but do not yet have a start date.
They say it is likely to take place between Summer 2012 and April 2013 in a bid to see all North West networks electrified by 2015.
How will this affect services from North Station? Will the line be just closed on Sundays, or longer?

RailUK Forums

Lrd · 12 Dec 2011

Probably a few weekends doing preparation work then a slightly longer blockade to do some heavy lifting.

You'll have to wait and see for definite though...

krisk · 12 Dec 2011

Blackpool electrfication - long overdue

Though the comparitive luxury of a 185 first class to replaced by a dated 319, hardly a step forward.

Now electrification for Blackpool South, whereby the Preston - Hazel Grove run becomes linked to BPS trains? This Preston - Colne (and maybe Skipton/Leeds) becomes a seperate entity?

Poss Planner · 12 Dec 2011

Some of the Bridges are to be rebuilt or have the track lowered through them between November 2012 and February 2013 in a series of 54hr possessions (althought he exact number of 54hr still tbc) and the remainder dealt with in a blockade which will ecompass signalling alterations, gantry erection and wiring.

WestCoast · 12 Dec 2011

krisk said:
Though the comparitive luxury of a 185 first class to replaced by a dated 319, hardly a step forward.

It's for Northern Rail - the quality and age of the stock is not a concern. :lol:

As for the disruption, it will affect me on the South Fylde Line, so I hope it's timed as well as possible. Replacement buses can be a nightmare on the Fylde lines, especially if they appear on a busy weekend!

driver9000 · 12 Dec 2011

If the NW receives 319s as is the current expectation they are supposed to be rebuilt with upgraded traction packages, air conditioning and fully refurbished interiors. Despite the age of the 319 vehicle the interiors should be rather nice if done properly. The 319 is hardly life expired being around 22/23 years old and they aren't expected until after 2014 by which time the current franchise has ended so it may not be Northern Rail running the show. There is plenty of time for the game to change between now and then though

As for how the bridge work will affect services, you'll need to wait until nearer the time for that.

WestCoast · 12 Dec 2011

driver9000 said:
If the NW receives 319s as is the current expectation they are supposed to be rebuilt with upgraded traction packages, air conditioning and fully refurbished interiors. Despite the age of the 319 vehicle the interiors should be rather nice if done properly. The 319 is hardly life expired being around 22/23 years old and they aren't expected until after 2014 by which time the current franchise has ended so it may not be Northern Rail running the show.

Yes, my comment was firmly tongue-in-cheek. However 3-2 seated standard class only 319s is a bit of a downgrade in terms of comfort from TPE 185s on the Blackpool North - Manchester Airport route. I am sure those travelling shorter distances on this very busy route will appreciate the greater chance of seat though!

HSTEd · 12 Dec 2011

WestCoast said:
Yes, my comment was firmly tongue-in-cheek. However 3-2 seated standard class only 319s is a bit of a downgrade in terms of comfort from TPE 185s on the Blackpool North - Manchester Airport route. I am sure those travelling shorter distances on this very busy route will appreciate the greater chance of seat though!

Don't many Cl319s have DTCOs now at one end of the train?

Either way they will have completely new interiors so its not too much of a stretch for them to appear in a fully two class, 2+2/2+1 configuration.

73001 · 12 Dec 2011

WestCoast said:
Yes, my comment was firmly tongue-in-cheek. However 3-2 seated standard class only 319s is a bit of a downgrade in terms of comfort from TPE 185s on the Blackpool North - Manchester Airport route. I am sure those travelling shorter distances on this very busy route will appreciate the greater chance of seat though!

I'd expect them to get 2+2 seating as this seems to be the way things are going. Even the 507/8 got 2+2 for their suburban commuter routes.

ValleyLines142 · 12 Dec 2011

krisk said:
Blackpool electrfication - long overdue

Though the comparitive luxury of a 185 first class to replaced by a dated 319, hardly a step forward.

Now electrification for Blackpool South, whereby the Preston - Hazel Grove run becomes linked to BPS trains? This Preston - Colne (and maybe Skipton/Leeds) becomes a seperate entity?

Krisk - with regards to the 185 and 319's, this is what I've been saying on this thread: http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=55547&highlight=Displaced+185s

Blackpool Bridge Replacement

Cliveblackpool

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RailUK Forums

Lrd

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krisk

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Poss Planner

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WestCoast

Established Member

driver9000

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WestCoast

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HSTEd

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73001

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ValleyLines142

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