Overhead lines at NLW

[jasonkerner]

Does anyone know if any electric trains actually use the track from NLW to Liverpool? I know the line is only electrified from just before the station at the junction with the WCML but all I've ever seen on it are DMUs and diesel freight

I know of the plans to make the whole route electric from Manchester, but they're a while off yet

Cheers

 

[Welshman]

AFAIK, at present the electrified track is the spur from Golborne Junction, through Newton-le-Willows and the Chester platforms at Earlestown back to the WCML at Winwick Junction.

I seem to remember it was electrified as an alternative route should the WCML be blocked between those points, but I've never seen any emu or electrically-hauled train use it.

As you say, that will change when the Manchester-Liverpool electrification is completed.

 

[Whistler40145]

In the pre-privatisation days of InterCity West Coast, I actually had a Class 90 hauled Mk 3 set via Earlestown on a Sunday evening.

I don't know of any booked electric hauled freights & Virgin services.


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[jasonkerner]

That makes sense, thanks - never realised that it didn't go all the way to Liverpool

 

[hairyhandedfool]

The wires will go to Liverpool in late 2014 and Manchester in late 2013, if the schemes are on schedule, but as noted it is only a diversionary route for the WCML at present. There are two passenger services each day that use the electrified line between Wigan and Newton-le-Willows each day, but they are diesel units (to Liverpool).

 

[John55]

For a short period after the Crewe - Glasgow electrification was completed there were a few Crewe - Preston trains worked by AM4 EMUs (or Class 304) which called at all/most stations including Newton-le-Willows. These lasted a very short time one or two years I think.

From 31st March to 12th May the Liverpool - Wigan service is diverted via Newton-le-Willow, Lowton Jcn and Golborne Jcn on Saturdays and Sundays so there will be a half hourly or hourly service in each direction.

 

[Whistler40145]

Is it only the Liverpool to Wigan services being diverted or those that terminate at Preston & Blackpool North?


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[hairyhandedfool]

All services are diverted with buses calling at stations between Huyton and Wigan, the trains will be non-stop from Huyton to Wigan North Western (and vice-versa).

 

[Whistler40145]

Is it for routine engineering works or preparation works for electrification?


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[hairyhandedfool]

I'd be guessing, but as Earlestown-Liverpool is currently closed on weekends, I'd say electrification work.

 

[John55]

I'd be guessing, but as Earlestown-Liverpool is currently closed on weekends, I'd say electrification work.

No need to guess as it is electrification works.

Full closure info for Feb to May (from Merseytravel) is;

"On Saturdays and Sundays from 18 February to 25 March 2012, trains between Liverpool Lime Street and Wigan North Western/Earlestown are replaced by buses.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 31 March to 13 May 2012, trains between Huyton, St Helens Central and Wigan North Western are replaced by buses"