Work on the railway line between Preston and Blackpool has seen the an electric train run between the two stations for the first time.

Virgin Trains ran a Pendolino between Preston and Blackpool North to test the 17-mile route.

Advertisements

Engineers were on hand during Monday (14 May) to check and inspect the route’s new overhead wires.

Network Rail say the work means Northern and Virgin will be able to introduce quieter, greener and more reliable trains on the route.

Route managing director for Network Rail’s London North Western route Martin Frobisher said: “The successful testing of the newly electrified railway is the latest step to provide customers with a better, more reliable railway.

“The Great North Rail Project is transforming rail travel across the north of England and passengers are now in touching distance of better journeys between Preston and Blackpool.”

Read more: Preston travellers on Virgin Trains to get free Wi-Fi

Train services between Preston and Blackpool were resumed in the last few weeks, although at the moment they are limited with a number of replacement buses still running.

General manager at Virgin Trains on the west coast Michael Stewart said: “We’re really excited to have reached this landmark by welcoming our Pendolino train to Blackpool North. This will allow us to test the infrastructure, as we prepare to launch our new electric services to and from the resort next Monday.”