Northern outlines plans for Wigan-Bolton route once OLE is commissioned

Northern says it intends to use Class 323 electric multiple units and its bi-mode Class 769s between Wigan and Bolton this year.

A major milestone in the electrification of the 41⁄4 miles of railway between Lostock Junction (west of Bolton) and Wigan North Western was reached on January 1, when the overhead power cables were energised at 25kV AC.

Network Rail says further testing and commissioning of the cables will continue, including making sure they are at the right heights and tensions for electric trains to collect power.

Once completed, test train running will take place before regulatory commissioning, with
the aim of the new infrastructure entering service for electric trains in the latter part of 2025.

Work will also continue to lengthen the platforms at Westhoughton, Hindley and Ince stations, to permit the operation of six-car trains.

Currently, services over the route are operated by Northern andcomprise an hourly Southport- Stalybridge and an hourly Southport-Manchester Oxford Road pattern. These are formed of four-car bi-mode Class 769s when availability permits, or ‘Sprinter’ diesel multiple units.

A Northern spokesman said “The electrification will allow
us to use bi-mode Class 769s in electric mode all the way from Wigan to Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

“We’re now waiting for Office of Rail and Road authorisation for entry into service. We’re adding Ince calls to all Southport services from the May timetable change, on the expectation that power changeover will take place there once OLE is authorised.”

“We are then expecting the introduction of fully electric services, with Class 323 EMUs [already in the fleet] operating under the wires from Wigan to Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge in December 2026, as well as the continued operation of Class 769s.”

By David Clough