Work begins this July on a major project to improve railway signalling on a key section of the West Coast Main Line in the UK’s North West.
This is one of Europe’s busiest mixed-use rail routes.
Network Rail’s 45m GBP (52.63m euros | 62.99m USD) Great North Rail Project investment will see 56 signals between Prestbury, Macclesfield and Congleton upgraded. Once replaced, they will be controlled from Network Rail’s Manchester control centre.
Power sources and electrical cabling will be also upgraded, along with two structures carrying the 25kV overhead lines to give train drivers better visibility of signals. In total the work is expected to take 17 months.
“This once in a generation overhaul of Macclesfield’s signalling system will bring this key section of the West Coast main line up to the most modern standards. The Great North Rail Project investment will future proof journeys and create a more reliable railway for passengers and freight services.”
While much of the work has been planned to cause the least amount of disruption to passengers, the upgrades will mean changes to some weekend journeys in 2022. Details will be released nearer the time.
