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Tuesday 31 May 2016

Bolton and Salford residents invited to find out more about rail upgrade between Manchester and Preston

Region & Route:

| North West & Central

Network Rail is inviting local communities in Bolton and Salford to find out more about the work required to upgrade and electrify the line between Manchester and Preston via Bolton.

As part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan, the £1bn+ investment in the railway in the north of England will see electrification take place across many routes. This will help provide a better railway for passengers with more reliable, greener and quieter services.

Following the successful public information events between Lostock and Chorley earlier this year, three events will take place on the southern end of the route this week where Network Rail and train operator Northern will be on hand to answer questions that residents may have about the work and how it may affect them.

The drop-in events will take place:

Tuesday 31 May, 4pm – 7pm: The Bolton Hub, Bold Street, Bolton, BL1 1LS
Wednesday 1 June, 4pm – 7pm: St Gregorys Social Club, Farnworth, BL4 8AG
Thursday 2 June 2016, 4pm – 7pm: Clifton Community Centre, 6 Wynne Ave, Swinton, M27 8FU

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We encourage local communities and anyone interested in our electrification upgrade to come along to one of these events to get an understanding of the work and the possible impact it will have on them.

“Our project team will be there to answer any questions the public may have about the upcoming work and explain the benefits that electric trains will provide to passengers and local communities. Not only are electric trains quieter, they also have less of an impact on the railway, meaning there is less need for future maintenance. 

“This work forms part of more than £1 billion of investment across the north of England to improve journeys and enable faster, greener and more frequent train services to operate.”

Further sessions will be planned along the route this year and local residents will be kept informed of the works via letter and through social media.

For further information visit www.networkrail.co.uk/manchester-preston or contact Network Rail’s national helpline on 03457 114 141.