The first test train powered by newly installed 25 kV 50 Hz overhead electrification between Wigan and Bolton ran in the early hours of June 3, with a pair of Class 323 EMUs used for testing. The project undertaken by Network Rail, Keir and SPL Powerlines has seen 21 km of overhead wires installed, 414 stanchions erected, six road bridges and one footbridge reconstructed, modifications to 17 bridges and two level crossings, and platform extensions at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince.
A consortium led by Costain and including GHD, InteGen, North Star and SLC Rail has been appointed to provide the Department for Transport with specialist technical and commercial advice for rail infrastructure enhancement projects in the Western, Wales and Wessex routes. This will include economic analysis, advice on geotechnical behaviour and flooding, timetable modelling and rolling stock, depot and stabling requirements.
RSSB has awarded Systra a nine-month contract to undertake research to support the development of a migration strategy for the transition to FMRCS. This will identify key stakeholders and specific challenges in Great Britain, laying the groundwork for a more detailed, phased route map that could follow.
Angel Trains, Mitie and European Metal Recycling have become patron members of Rail Forum, its highest level of affiliation which is offered by invitation only. They join Alstom, AtkinsRéalis, MTMS, Porterbrook, Resonate and Wabtec.
c2c has appointed four new members of permanent staff following their successful completion of a ‘Get into Railways’ programme run in partnership with The King’s Trust, which works with people aged between 18-30 who have struggled to find employment. The process was supported by c2c’s long-standing partnership with the Occupational Psychology Centre which provided recruitment tools and expert assessors.
TransPennine Express is offering passengers Rough Guides digital pocket guides to 10 destinations including Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and York. ‘The free-to-download guides combine Rough Guides’ travel expertise with TransPennine Express’ extensive network, and feature an inspiring selection of places to visit, plus where to find the best restaurants, pubs, bars and shops’, said Rachel Lawrence, Senior Editor for Custom Publishing at Rough Guides.
CAF has met Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to presented its plans to open a maintenance facility dedicated to railway component servicing. The Spanish firm said this was ‘a key milestone in the company’s industrial growth strategy in the UK’, and part of its broader strategy to reinforce its role as a strategic partner in the British rail industry.
Govia Thameslink Railway, South Western Railway, Transport for London and Sight Loss Councils have organised ‘Try a Train’ events travelling from Sutton to Wimbledon to help blind and partially sighted people feel more confident about travelling independently by train.
Sir Bob Reid, Chairman of British Rail in 1990-95, died on May 28 aged 91.
