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Friday 9 Aug 2013

Bridge works mark the start of Manchester – Stalybridge electrification

Region & Route:

Local residents in Ashton-under-Lyne are being invited to find out more about how work to electrify the rail line between Manchester and Stalybridge will affect them. As part of the work, Network Rail needs to rebuild several bridges over the next 12 months to provide clearance for overhead line equipment.

The work is part of the £400m project to electrify key sections of railway across the North West including the Trans Pennine route between Manchester – Leeds and the North East.

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director commented: “Electrification helps us to boost capacity, reduce carbon emissions and cut the cost of running the railway. Electric trains are also quieter, more reliable and have more seats, which is good news for passengers.

“This work marks the start of work to electrify the key Transpennine route from Manchester through Huddersfield to Leeds. It is part of a wider programme of improvements that will transform rail travel in the north of England. By enabling faster, more frequent trains to connect key towns and cities we can provide the railway that the region’s passengers want and its economy needs.”

When completed electric trains will be introduced between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge via Ashton-under-Lyne in December 2016, allowing more trains to call at the station.

Two road over rail bridges, one in Collyhurst, Manchester and a second in Ashton-under-Lyne will close shortly for reconstruction. Network Rail has worked with local authorities to agree the road closures, diversionary routes and is notifying local residents and councillors about the closures:

Osborne Street, Collyhurst: closed 19 August - 16 February 2014.

Henrietta Street, Ashton-under-Lyne: closed 2 September – 21 December 2013

At both closures, the road will be closed to traffic with diversionary routes sign posted. Separate temporary footbridges will be provided to maintain pedestrian access.

Residents in Ashton-under-Lyne can find out more about the project at a drop in session between 4.30 – 8pm on Tuesday 13 August at:

Village Hotel, Ashton Moss

Pamir Drive,

Ashton-under-Lyne,

Manchester,

OL7 0LY