Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport are now connected by an electric train service following the completion of work by Network Rail as part of the latest stage of a major investment to electrify rail lines all over the North West.

Modern electric trains are designed to be quieter, more reliable and spacious, and to run cleaner than their traditional diesel counterparts.

Network Rail’s electrification work has also included a section of the Liverpool – Manchester route that encompasses Liverpool to Newton-le-Willows (where previously the only electrified section had been from Newton-le-Willows to Manchester).

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, said:

“This first electric train to travel between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport signifies the completion of the latest stage of a much bigger electrification programme in the North West.

“When the North West electrification upgrades and network improvements are completed in 2019 they will deliver significant, long-term benefits to passengers across the north of England.”

This development marks a major milestone in a the programme of works expected to transform around 200 miles of rail track across the North West as part of a £1 billion investment to modernise the region’s railway system.

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Words: Peter Cribley