Greater Manchester railway’s electric power lines live- and residents given high voltage warning

The electric power lines on a route between Wigan and Bolton have been activated by Network Rail. The lines carry 25,000 volts and this has triggered a warning from the company.

The newly installed overhead line equipment is completely safe so long as the railway boundary is respected and people don’t trespass onto the infrastructure. If anyone gets within 2.75m of the cables the electricity can arc – like a bolt of lightning – and cause severe or fatal injuries.

Final tests were carried out on New Year’s Day. Network Rail have now confirmed the power lines are fully operational.

Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail's North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: "Turning the power on is a huge milestone in our work to electrify the line between Wigan and Bolton but with it comes an extremely important safety message.

"The power lines carry 25,000 volts which can be deadly if you get too close or come into contact with them. The electricity is always on, so it is important to stay off the tracks, and make sure children are aware of the dangers.”