24.02.15
Northern Rail plans to start running electric services next week
Northern Rail has confirmed that pending a successful test of the line tonight and ORR final approval, it is planning run its first electric Class 319 services next week, from Liverpool to Manchester airport.
Planning and programmes director Rob Warnes, speaking to RTM’s Sam McCaffrey at an event today to see the refurbishment of the 319s and take a ride on the upgraded trains, confirmed that the delayed introduction of electric services is soon to begin.
Northern had originally hoped to have services ready for the December 2014 timetable change, but delays to Network Rail’s electrification programme prevented that.
The delay was blamed on “unexpected ground conditions and technical issues with the wiring equipment”, encountered while installing overhead catenary wires on the 184-year-old former Liverpool and Manchester Railway main line.
Refurbishment work on the Class 319s has been carried out at Wolverton by Knorr-Bremse under a Porterbrook contract, with additional modifications by Interfleet. The full story on the new-look Class 319s will be in the next edition of RTM, which will be with subscribers next week.