‘Stay off the railway’ warning as electrified lines switched on in Manchester: Overhead line engineers

Thursday 18 Apr 2019

‘Stay off the railway’ warning as electrified lines switched on in Manchester

Region & Route:
North West & Central

The overhead power lines on the eastern side of Manchester Victoria station are now live as work continues to introduce electric trains across the north west.

Network Rail has electrified the line from Miles Platting Junction into platforms 1 and 2 at Manchester Victoria station as part of the Great North Rail Project.

By electrifying the railway it means there are more options to route trains, providing passengers with better, more reliable journeys. 

Now the power has been switched on, residents in the area are being reminded to never trespass on the tracks as the overhead electrified lines - which carry 25,000v of electricity - pose an even greater risk to life and limb now they are live.

Joe Haynes, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “Safety is our priority and we are informing local people about the overhead line equipment which is used to power trains.

“Once installed, electrified wires are always switched on - even when there are no trains passing. They carry 25,000 volts of electricity, which can be fatal. Our message is simple – never trespass on the railway for any reason.”

For more information railway safety visit networkrail.co.uk/safety-in-the-community.

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

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