The first 25 kV 50 Hz overhead wires were installed between Miles Platting Junction, east of Manchester Victoria, and Stalybridge on November 5-6 under the next phase of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. Network Rail said the 12 km section of the Liverpool – York TransPennine corridor between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge will close for 26 days in March 2023 for further electrification and enhancement works.
Network Rail and contractor SPL have started work to install a modular feeder station and modernise a track section cabinet near Glasgow Central. The work forms part of a £120m investment supported by the Scottish government to strengthen the overhead power supply ahead of the completion of electrification work covering routes between Glasgow, Barrhead and East Kilbride. Six more feeder stations are to be installed and nine other traction power asset enhancements are to be undertaken across the Central Belt in a programme lasting until 2026.
Govia Thameslink Railway and the Go-Ahead Group have relaunched their joint graduate recruitment programme, which is being opened to the operator’s own junior staff for the first time. The programme will run until March 2024, helping individuals gain skills and knowledge that will prepare them for future leadership opportunities.
Network Rail is investing £450 000 to restore the footbridge at Harrington station on the Cumbrian Coast line. The stairs and overbridge will be strengthened, and the steel will be grit blasted and repainted in heritage colours by contractor Taziker.
Hitachi Information Control Systems Europe has become the latest supplier to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Global Centre of Rail Excellence. The partners are to collaborate on simulation, modelling, and operations for the future GCRE site in south Wales.
Vivarail has appointed Matthew Lee as Business Development Director. He joins from FirstGroup, where he was Commercial & Customer Experience Director, responsible for mobilising open access operator Lumo. He is a graduate of the Institution of Railway Operators’ degree programme.