Northern adjusts Greater Manchester service ahead of electrification completion

Northern has revised the pattern of services between Bolton and Wigan in readiness for the completion testing of the new electrification systems along the route.

Four miles of new overhead line equipment now links the already electrified lines at Lostock Hall and Wigan North Western stations.

However, services from Bolton use Wigan’s adjacent Wallgate station before continuing to Southport, Headbolt Lane or Kirby.

Eight bi-mode Class 769 FLEX units were introduced onto Northern services in 2021 using diesel power where electrification was not available. These sets will continue to be diagrammed, making use of the extended electric option.

Once clearance for electric services over the route is obtained, units will change power modes at Ince, one mile short of Wigan Wallgate.

A Northern spokesperson said “Subject to further testing, we’re planning to begin using electric power between Lostock Junction and Ince this summer. “

As a result, from the start of the new timetable on May 18, all Stalybridge or Manchester Oxford Road to Southport services calling at Ince for the first time.

Taken together with the existing hourly Leeds to Wigan Wallgate via Atherton service, this gives Ince an unprecedented three trains per hour.

Northern’s Class 769s have not been as reliable as anticipated, and some of the Southport diagrams will still be covered by ‘Sprinter’-type diesel multiple units.

On May 14 only three of the eight sets (769448/456/458) worked throughout the day, with 769442 missing half a diagram and being taken out of service in the afternoon.

Northern is addressing this and explained: “We will continue to work with the rolling stock company and our own engineering colleagues to manage and improve the reliability of ‘769s’ to put us in the best possible place to run the timetabled services we have diagrammed.”

By David Clough