First electric train runs between Wigan and Bolton in £100m upgrade milestone
Successful test run of electric train between Wigan and Bolton signals a greener, more reliable rail future for Westhoughton residents, rail operators say.
The first train powered by newly installed overhead electric lines has completed its test run between Wigan and Bolton, marking a significant milestone in a £100 million modernisation of rail travel in the North West.
A Northern service departed Wigan North Western at 01:15 and arriving at Bolton at 01:40 on Tuesday — the first train to ever make that journey under electric power. Technical teams monitored the train’s progress as it travelled twice between the two towns as part of a testing regime ahead of full electric passenger services launching in late summer.
The 6.5-mile electrification project includes the installation of 21 kilometres of power lines, 414 new overhead line equipment stanchions, six road bridges and one footbridge completely rebuilt, plus modifications to 17 other bridges and two level crossings.
Importantly for local passengers, the scheme also included platform extensions at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations — paving the way for longer trains and more seats in the future.
