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Friday 24 May 2024

Grade II listed Wigan bridge to be raised for railway electrification

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Network Rail is raising the height of a Grade II listed bridge to allow for the electrification of the Wigan to Bolton line.

The £100+m electrification project will improve travel across the North West by allowing greener, cleaner and quieter electric trains to run on the line.

Road and foot bridges across the route need to be raised so the 25,000 volt electric wires can be safely installed above the railway, with plenty of safe distance from motorists and pedestrians.

Deep Pit bridge is a recently Grade II listed footbridge on the border of Hindley and Ince, Wigan. 

The raising of Deep Pit bridge will see two new ramps installed, giving the bridge complete step-free access for the first time in its 150-year life.

Once the bridge is raised, the project team can prepare to install the electric wires between Hindley and Ince.

Work to the bridge is due to start in summer 2024. The work will be complete in early 2025.

Sarah Bull, Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “I am grateful to Wigan Council for their collaboration, and the local community for their contribution to the public consultation on the work at Deep Pit bridge.

“This Grade II listed structure will now be future-proofed for years to come as we raise the bridge’s height and add new ramps. This will make way for electric overhead lines as part of the Wigan to Bolton electrification project.”

Network Rail has consulted with the local community on the work required to the bridge.