Back on Track (Blackpool)

Whilst Fleetwood continues to press for reopening of its long dormant (but not deceased) railway connection with Preston - Blackpool is finally about to regain train service after an interregnum of nearly six months. Work on completing the electrification of the line running from Preston to Blackpool North through Kirkham and Wesham, Poulton-le-Fylde and not forgetting Layton (my local station) is now more or less finished. Trains (but not electric powered) will commence service on a limited basis from tomorrow.

Train crews are being time to accustomise themselves to realigned track and points at Blackpool North where platforms have been straightened and approach tracks and sidings adjusted to take account of longer trains and new rolling stock. The small matter of the overhead power equipment has also to be fully tested in practise and this will begin over the coming weeks. Fresh signs of progress on the fence line boundary with Blackpool North approach tracks. Photo : John Woodman

In the meantime Blackpool Transport will continue to operate the rail replacement schedule to Preston on a gradually reduced schedule. Reports of a new BTS service from Blackpool to Wigan have appeared in the press very recently. Whether this has to do with continued railway electrification work or other improvements is not known.