Railway electrification in Great Britain
Encyclopedia
Railway electrification in Great Britain started towards of the 19th century. A great range of voltages have been used in the intervening period using both overhead lines and third rail
s, however the most common standard for mainline services is now 25 kV AC using overhead lines and the 750 V DC third rail system used in South East England. 40% (3,062 miles / 4,928 km) of the British rail network
was electrified
and 60% of all rail journeys were by electric traction (both by locomotives
and multiple unit
s). 66% of the electrified network uses the 25 kV AC overhead system and 36% uses the 660/750 V DC third rail system.
Subways, light rail and tram systems use a variety of other systems.
traction, particularly in respect of its rapid acceleration (ideal for urban (metro) and suburban (commuter) services) and higher power (ideal for heavy freight trains through mountainous/hilly sections). Many systems emerged in the first twenty years of the 20th century. In 1921, a government committee chose 1,500 V DC overhead to be the national standard but little implementation followed and many different systems co-existed.
After World War II
and the nationalisation of the railways in 1948, British Railways expanded electrification of both the 1,500 V DC overhead and Southern Region third rail
systems. However in 1956, British Railways adopted 25 kV AC
overhead as standard for all future projects outside the natural extensions of existing third-rail systems.
The 25 kV AC network has continued to expand, slowly, although large areas of the country outside London are still non-electrified.
In 2007 the British government's preferred option was to use diesel trains and run them on biodiesel
. The 2007 White Paper
Delivering a Sustainable Railway, the government ruled out large-scale railway electrification in the following five years.
In May 2009, Network Rail
launched a consultation on large scale electrification, potentially to include the Great Western Main Line
and Midland Main Line
, together with smaller "in-fill" schemes. Key benefits cited in the consultation were that electric trains are faster, more reliable and cause less track wear than diesel trains. Since then electrification of the Great Western Main Line has been approved and trains are planned to run to Bristol from 2016 and Cardiff from 2017.
In Scotland
, where transport is a matter devolved to the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland
is extending electrification, for example on the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link
. This is part of a larger plan that foresees many major routes in Central Scotland electrified including the main Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen St
route.
The route from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Bathgate has been reinstated between Bathgate and Airdrie, and electrified throughout. It opened on 11 December 2010.
, the British Government set up a committee to investigate the various systems of railway electrification and, in 1921, it reported that 1,500 V DC overhead should be the future national standard. Several schemes were implemented in its wake, although the Great Depression
and World War II
meant very little work was done. Technological advances post-war meant the 25 kV AC system was adopted instead, for the West Coast Main line and Glasgow suburban electrification, as set out in the BR 1955 Modernisation Plan - at the same time the large amounts of money had/were still being spent converting several lines to 1,500 V DC.
In 2006, 40% (3,062 miles / 4,928 km) of the British rail network
was electrified
and 60% of all rail journeys were by electric traction (both by locomotives
and multiple unit
s)
According to Network Rail
, 66% of the electrified network uses the 25 kV AC overhead system and 36% uses the 660/750 V DC third rail system.
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
s, however the most common standard for mainline services is now 25 kV AC using overhead lines and the 750 V DC third rail system used in South East England. 40% (3,062 miles / 4,928 km) of the British rail network
Rail transport in Great Britain
The railway system in Great Britain is the oldest in the world, with the world's first locomotive-hauled public railway opening in 1825. As of 2010, it consists of of standard gauge lines , of which are electrified. These lines range from single to double, triple, quadruple track and up to twelve...
was electrified
Railway electrification system
A railway electrification system supplies electrical energy to railway locomotives and multiple units as well as trams so that they can operate without having an on-board prime mover. There are several different electrification systems in use throughout the world...
and 60% of all rail journeys were by electric traction (both by locomotives
Electric locomotive
An electric locomotive is a locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or an on-board energy storage device...
and multiple unit
Multiple unit
The term multiple unit or MU is used to describe a self-propelled carriages capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still being controlled from one driving cab. The term is commonly used to denote passenger trainsets consisting of more than one carriage...
s). 66% of the electrified network uses the 25 kV AC overhead system and 36% uses the 660/750 V DC third rail system.
Subways, light rail and tram systems use a variety of other systems.
History
Railway electrification emerged at the end of the 19th century. This had advantages over the then predominant steamSteam locomotive
A steam locomotive is a railway locomotive that produces its power through a steam engine. These locomotives are fueled by burning some combustible material, usually coal, wood or oil, to produce steam in a boiler, which drives the steam engine...
traction, particularly in respect of its rapid acceleration (ideal for urban (metro) and suburban (commuter) services) and higher power (ideal for heavy freight trains through mountainous/hilly sections). Many systems emerged in the first twenty years of the 20th century. In 1921, a government committee chose 1,500 V DC overhead to be the national standard but little implementation followed and many different systems co-existed.
After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and the nationalisation of the railways in 1948, British Railways expanded electrification of both the 1,500 V DC overhead and Southern Region third rail
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
systems. However in 1956, British Railways adopted 25 kV AC
25 kV AC
The 25 kV Alternating current railway electrification system is commonly used in railways worldwide, especially for high-speed rail.-Overview:This electrification system is ideal for railways that cover long distances and/or carry heavy traffic...
overhead as standard for all future projects outside the natural extensions of existing third-rail systems.
The 25 kV AC network has continued to expand, slowly, although large areas of the country outside London are still non-electrified.
In 2007 the British government's preferred option was to use diesel trains and run them on biodiesel
Biodiesel
Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids with an alcohol....
. The 2007 White Paper
White paper
A white paper is an authoritative report or guide that helps solve a problem. White papers are used to educate readers and help people make decisions, and are often requested and used in politics, policy, business, and technical fields. In commercial use, the term has also come to refer to...
Delivering a Sustainable Railway, the government ruled out large-scale railway electrification in the following five years.
In May 2009, Network Rail
Network Rail
Network Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
launched a consultation on large scale electrification, potentially to include the Great Western Main Line
Great Western Main Line
The Great Western Main Line is a main line railway in Great Britain that runs westwards from London Paddington station to the west of England and South Wales. The core Great Western Main Line runs from London Paddington to Temple Meads railway station in Bristol. A major branch of the Great...
and Midland Main Line
Midland Main Line
The Midland Main Line is a major railway route in the United Kingdom, part of the British railway system.The present-day line links London St...
, together with smaller "in-fill" schemes. Key benefits cited in the consultation were that electric trains are faster, more reliable and cause less track wear than diesel trains. Since then electrification of the Great Western Main Line has been approved and trains are planned to run to Bristol from 2016 and Cardiff from 2017.
In Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, where transport is a matter devolved to the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland
Transport Scotland was created on 1 January 2006 as the national transport agency of Scotland. It is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government's Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department and accountable to Scottish Ministers...
is extending electrification, for example on the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link
Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link
The Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is a railway in central Scotland.Instigated as part of a round of transport improvement projects proposed by the then Scottish Executive in 2003, the plan was to open up a fourth direct railway link between the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. The project was...
. This is part of a larger plan that foresees many major routes in Central Scotland electrified including the main Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen St
Glasgow Queen Street railway station
Glasgow Queen Street is a railway station in Glasgow, Scotland, the smaller of the city's two main line railway termini and the third-busiest station in Scotland. It is between George Street to the south and Cathedral Street Bridge to the north, at the northern end of Queen Street adjacent to...
route.
Proposed developments
In June 2011, Peter Dearman of Network Rail suggested that the third rail network will need to be converted into overhead power lines in the future. He stated, "Although the top speed is 100mph the trains can't go over 80mph well and 25% of power is lost from heat". Agreeing that conversion would be expensive he also said that the third rail network is at its limit of its capabilities of power especially as trains become more advanced in technology.25 kV, 50 Hz AC, overhead
- London, Tilbury and Southend (LTS)London, Tilbury and Southend RailwayThe London, Tilbury and Southend Railway is an English railway line linking Fenchurch Street railway station in the City of London with northeast London and the entire length of the northern Thames Gateway area of southern Essex. It is currently known as the Essex Thameside Route by Network Rail...
- The majority of this line was originally electrified at 6,250 V. It was converted to 25 kV in the early 1960s.
- Great Eastern Main Line (GEML)Great Eastern Main LineThe Great Eastern Main Line is a 212 Kilometre major railway line of the British railway system, which connects Liverpool Street in the City of London with destinations in east London and the East of England, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and several coastal resorts such as...
- Converted from 1,500 V DC (see 1,500 V DC section "Shenfield Metro")
- Converted from 6,250 V/1,500 V DC
- Romford to Upminster LineRomford to Upminster LineThe Romford to Upminster Line or Upminster Branch Line is a branch line between Romford and Upminster in the London Borough of Havering. The line is part of the Network Rail Strategic Route 7, SRS 07.09, and is classified as a rural line...
- Shenfield to Southend LineShenfield to Southend LineThe Shenfield to Southend Line is a railway line from Southend-on-Sea to Shenfield in Essex. Almost all trains continue through to London Liverpool Street along the Great Eastern Main Line...
- Crouch Valley LineCrouch Valley LineThe Crouch Valley Line is a branch line from Wickford to Southminster in Essex. It is usually called the Southminster Branch by users of the line, although that is no longer its official name...
- Braintree Branch LineBraintree Branch LineThe Braintree Branch Line is a branch line from Witham to Braintree in Essex, England.The line diverges from the Great Eastern Main Line at Witham. Passenger services are currently operated by National Express East Anglia...
- Colchester to Clacton LineColchester to Clacton LineThe Sunshine Coast Line is the marketing name of what was The Tendring Hundred Railway Line, a railway line linking Colchester to Walton-on-the-Naze and via a branch line to Clacton-on-Sea. Passenger services are run by National Express East Anglia...
- Mayflower LineMayflower LineThe Mayflower Line is a branch railway line from Manningtree to Harwich in the county of Essex in England. Passenger services are operated by National Express East Anglia...
- West AngliaWest Anglia Main LineThe West Anglia Main Line is one of the two main lines which run from London Liverpool Street, the other being the Great Eastern Main Line. It runs generally north from London, through the towns of Cheshunt, Broxbourne, Harlow, Bishop's Stortford and Audley End station before reaching Cambridge,...
/ Fen LineFen LineThe Fen Line is a railway in the United Kingdom that runs between the cities of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and King's Lynn, Norfolk; the line is so called because it runs through The Fens. The line is part of the Network Rail Strategic Route 5 and comprises SRS 05.06 and part of 05.05...
- This covers the lines from London Liverpool Street (Bethnal Green Jn) to Chingford, Enfield Town, Hertford East, and CambridgeCambridgeThe city of Cambridge is a university town and the administrative centre of the county of Cambridgeshire, England. It lies in East Anglia about north of London. Cambridge is at the heart of the high-technology centre known as Silicon Fen – a play on Silicon Valley and the fens surrounding the...
. The line was first electrified in the 1960s when the lines to Chingford, Enfield Town and Cheshunt were electrified at 6,250 V. The line from Cheshunt to Bishop's Stortford and Hertford East was electrified at 25 kV. The Lea Valley line between Coppermill Junction and Cheshunt was electrified at 25 kV in 1969. All the 6,250 V areas were converted to 25 kV in 1983. In 1987, electrification was extended from Bishop's Stortford to Cambridge using 25 kV. In 1990, the line to Stansted Airport opened and, in 1992, electrification was further extended from Cambridge to King's LynnKing's LynnKing's Lynn is a sea port and market town in the ceremonial county of Norfolk in the East of England. It is situated north of London and west of Norwich. The population of the town is 42,800....
along the Fen Line.
- East Coast Main Line (ECML)East Coast Main LineThe East Coast Main Line is a long electrified high-speed railway link between London, Peterborough, Doncaster, Wakefield, Leeds, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Edinburgh...
- Electrified in two parts, the first between 1975 and 1978 and the second between 1984 and 1991.
- The line between London (Kings Cross) and Royston was electrified between 1976 and 1978 as part of the Great Northern Suburban Electrification Project. This included the Hertford Loop LineHertford Loop LineThe Hertford Loop Line is a branch of the East Coast Main Line, providing a commuter route to London for Hertford and other Hertfordshire towns...
. - In 1984, authority was given to electrify to Edinburgh and Leeds. The section between Hitchin and Peterborough was completed in 1987 and Doncaster and York were reached in 1989. By 1990, electrification had reached Newcastle and, in 1991, the final section to Edinburgh was completed.
- In order to keep the construction teams busy, two additional schemes were authorised that extended electrification to CarstairsCarstairs railway stationCarstairs railway station in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, is a major junction station on the West Coast Main Line , situated close to the point at which the lines from London Euston to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh diverge...
and to North Berwick (North Berwick LineNorth Berwick LineThe North Berwick Line is a railway line linking Edinburgh with North Berwick in Scotland. The route follows the East Coast Main Line as far as Drem where it then branches to the north....
). - At the peak of electrification works in the late 1980s, it claimed to be the "longest construction site in the world", at over 400 km.
- Midland Main Line (MML)Midland Main LineThe Midland Main Line is a major railway route in the United Kingdom, part of the British railway system.The present-day line links London St...
- Electrified between London (St Pancras) and Bedford in 1983. The section from Dock Junction to Moorgate was also electrified.
- See also ThameslinkThameslinkThameslink is a fifty-station main-line route in the British railway system running north to south through London from Bedford to Brighton, serving both London Gatwick Airport and London Luton Airport. It opened as a through service in 1988 and by 1998 was severely overcrowded, carrying more than...
- West Coast Main Line (WCML)West Coast Main LineThe West Coast Main Line is the busiest mixed-traffic railway route in Britain, being the country's most important rail backbone in terms of population served. Fast, long-distance inter-city passenger services are provided between London, the West Midlands, the North West, North Wales and the...
- Electrified from the late 1950s to the mid 1960s under the BR 1955 Modernisation Plan as far as Crewe (and branches), it was extended to Glasgow in 1974.
- Northampton — see Northampton Loop Line
- Birmingham (New Street)Birmingham New Street StationBirmingham New Street is the main railway station serving Birmingham, England, located in the city centre. It is an important hub for the British railway system, being served by a number of important long-distance and cross-country lines, including the Birmingham loop of the West Coast Main Line,...
- see Rugby-Birmingham-Stafford LineRugby-Birmingham-Stafford LineThe Rugby–Birmingham–Stafford Line is a railway line in central England. It is a loop off the West Coast Main Line between Rugby and Stafford via the West Midlands cities of Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.-Places served:The cities, towns and villages served by the line are listed... - Liverpool (Lime Street)Liverpool Lime Street railway stationLiverpool Lime Street is a railway station serving the city centre of Liverpool, England. The station lies on a branch of the West Coast Main Line from London Euston, and on the Wirral Line of the Merseyrail network...
- Manchester (Piccadilly)Manchester Piccadilly stationManchester Piccadilly is the principal railway station in Manchester, England. It serves intercity routes to London Euston, Birmingham New Street, South Wales, the south coast of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow Central, and routes throughout northern England...
- see Stafford to Manchester LineStafford to Manchester LineThe Stafford to Manchester Line is a branch of the West Coast Main Line serving Stafford, Norton Bridge, Stone, Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove, Congleton, Macclesfield, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport and Manchester....
and Crewe to Manchester Line. - Glasgow (Central) - in 1974 from Weaver Junction.
- The "Abbey Flyer" (St Albans Branch LineSt Albans Branch LineThe Abbey Line is a railway line from Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey railway station. The route passes through town and countryside...
) was electrified 1987-88 by Network SouthEast - Edinburgh (Waverley)Edinburgh Waverley railway stationEdinburgh Waverley railway station is the main railway station in the Scottish capital Edinburgh. Covering an area of over 25 acres in the centre of the city, it is the second-largest main line railway station in the United Kingdom in terms of area, the largest being...
in 1989 (from Carstairs Junction in conjunction with ECML electrification). - In 2003 Crewe to Kidsgrove section of the Crewe to Derby LineCrewe to Derby LineThe Crewe to Derby Line is a railway line in central England, running from Crewe south east to Derby. Services on the line are provided by East Midlands Trains....
was electrified as a diversionary route for the WCML.
- Since 1999 the line has been modernised and the overhead line equipment has undergone a programme of refurbishment and renewal as part of works to increase train speeds from 110 mph to 125 mph.
- Edinburgh
- 1991 the ECML to Edinburgh was electrified. A few local routes were electrified, but the most of local services were not.
- Edinburgh Crossrail - only to . Currently the service is by DMUs, pending reopening of part of the Waverley LineWaverley LineThe Waverley Line is an abandoned double track railway line that ran south from Edinburgh in Scotland through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders to Carlisle in England. It was built by the North British Railway Company; the first section, from Edinburgh to Hawick opened in 1849. The final section,...
- North Berwick LineNorth Berwick LineThe North Berwick Line is a railway line linking Edinburgh with North Berwick in Scotland. The route follows the East Coast Main Line as far as Drem where it then branches to the north....
- to , with some extensions to Edinburgh HaymarketHaymarket railway stationFor the Tyne and Wear Metro see Haymarket Metro station.Haymarket railway station is in Haymarket, Edinburgh, Scotland. It is Edinburgh's second largest station after Waverley, a major commuter and long-distance destination, located quite centrally near the West End...
. - Glasgow to Edinburgh via Carstairs LineGlasgow to Edinburgh via Carstairs LineThe Glasgow to Edinburgh via Carstairs Line is a main railway route which connects the Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, by means of their respective branches of the West Coast Main Line ....
- some North Berwick LineNorth Berwick LineThe North Berwick Line is a railway line linking Edinburgh with North Berwick in Scotland. The route follows the East Coast Main Line as far as Drem where it then branches to the north....
trains continue to Glasgow Central. Intercity trains from the ECML continue to Glasgow Central.
- Edinburgh Crossrail - only to . Currently the service is by DMUs, pending reopening of part of the Waverley Line
- – see also: Transport in EdinburghTransport in EdinburghEdinburgh constitutes a major transport hub in east central Scotland and as such is at the centre of a multi-modal transport network comprising road, rail and air communications connecting the city with the rest of Scotland, the United Kingdom and internationally....
- Central Scotland
The route from Edinburgh to Glasgow via Bathgate has been reinstated between Bathgate and Airdrie, and electrified throughout. It opened on 11 December 2010.
- Approval has also been given by the Scottish Parliament for electrification of the main inter-city route between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street (High level station, not currently electrified), via Falkirk. This project will also encompass some infill electrification in the Glasgow area, and Greenhill Junction to Stirling, Dunblane and, recently re-opened, Alloa, which mainly carry commuter services, however it will make possible electric haulage from London via the ECML as far as Stirling or Dunblane.
- Glasgow Suburban
- Suburban electrification was started in the 1960s in the wake of the BR 1955 Modernisation Plan. Electrification was piecemeal over the preceding year and is still incomplete, with several suburban, rural and inter city lines still unelectrified. See also: SPTStrathclyde Partnership for TransportThe Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is a public body which is responsible for planning and co-ordinating regional transport, and especially the public transport system, in the Strathclyde area of western Scotland...
and Transport in GlasgowTransport in GlasgowThe city of Glasgow, Scotland has a transport system encompassing air, rail, road, and an underground rail circuit. Prior to 1962, the city was also served by trams.-Airports:Glasgow is served by two international airports and a seaplane terminal:...
.
- The Glasgow Suburban railway network can be split into three main areas;
- North Clyde
- Also known as "Glasgow North Electric Suburban Line", this was one of the first lines in Glasgow to be electrified, in 1960. , and to Glasgow Queen Street (Low Level)Glasgow Queen Street railway stationGlasgow Queen Street is a railway station in Glasgow, Scotland, the smaller of the city's two main line railway termini and the third-busiest station in Scotland. It is between George Street to the south and Cathedral Street Bridge to the north, at the northern end of Queen Street adjacent to...
and to and .
- Also known as "Glasgow North Electric Suburban Line", this was one of the first lines in Glasgow to be electrified, in 1960. , and to Glasgow Queen Street (Low Level)
- South Clyde
- Cathcart Circle Line - ( to NewtonNewton (South Lanarkshire) railway stationNewton railway station is a railway station located between the town of Cambuslang and the village of Newton in South Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow, Scotland. The station is managed by First ScotRail on the Argyle and Cathcart Circle Lines.-History:...
and ) was electrified on 22 May 1962 - Inverclyde LineInverclyde LineThe Inverclyde Line is a railway line running from Glasgow Central station through Paisley and a series of stations to the south of the River Clyde and the Firth of Clyde, terminating at Gourock and Wemyss Bay, where it connects to Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services...
- ( to and ), electrified in 1967.
- Cathcart Circle Line - ( to Newton
- Ayrshire Coast LineAyrshire Coast LineThe Ayrshire Coast Line is one of the lines within the Strathclyde suburban rail network in Scotland. It has 26 stations and connects the Ayrshire coast to Glasgow...
- to , and , electrified in 1986/87.
- Paisley Canal LinePaisley Canal LineThe Paisley Canal Railway line was originally a Glasgow and South Western Railway branch line running from Glasgow, Scotland, through three stations in Paisley, to North Johnstone...
- electrified only as far as (from )
- West Coast Main Line
- Argyle LineArgyle LineThe Argyle Line is a suburban railway located in West Central Scotland. It connects the Lanarkshire towns of Lanark, Larkhall and Motherwell to West Dunbartonshire via central Glasgow using sub-surface running...
- and via Glasgow Central (Low Level) to Hamilton Circle, , and (via a variety of lines via Hamilton, Motherwell or Holytown). There is also a peak service to .
- Glasgow to Edinburgh via Carstairs LineGlasgow to Edinburgh via Carstairs LineThe Glasgow to Edinburgh via Carstairs Line is a main railway route which connects the Scottish cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, by means of their respective branches of the West Coast Main Line ....
- some North Berwick LineNorth Berwick LineThe North Berwick Line is a railway line linking Edinburgh with North Berwick in Scotland. The route follows the East Coast Main Line as far as Drem where it then branches to the north....
trains continue to Glasgow Central. GNER intercity trains (from the ECML) continue to Glasgow Central.
- Motherwell to Cumbernauld LineMotherwell to Cumbernauld LineThe Motherwell to Cumbernauld Line is a suburban railway line linking Motherwell and Cumbernauld in Scotland. It is part of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network.-History:The line was built as part of the:...
- the MotherwellMotherwell railway stationMotherwell railway station serves Motherwell in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It lies on the West Coast Main Line, and is served also by Argyle Line trains of the Glasgow suburban railway network. It is the penultimate stop on the northbound WCML before Glasgow. There are four platforms of various...
to CoatbridgeCoatbridge Central railway stationCoatbridge Central railway station is located in the town of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is on the Motherwell to Cumbernauld Line. Train services are provided by First ScotRail.-Architecture and history:...
section is electrified, but the Coatbridge to CumbernauldCumbernauld railway stationCumbernauld railway station is a railway station serving the town of Cumbernauld, Scotland. The station is managed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and is located on the Cumbernauld Lines north east of Glasgow Queen Street station and the Motherwell to Cumbernauld 19 km north of...
section is not.
- Shotts LineShotts LineThe Shotts Line is a suburban railway line linking Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley via Shotts in Scotland. The route from Glasgow to Shotts is part of the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network...
- the central section (Holytown JunctionHolytown railway stationHolytown railway station is a railway station serving both Holytown and New Stevenston in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is located on the Shotts Line, south east of towards and is also on the Argyle Line....
to KirknewtonKirknewton railway stationKirknewton railway station is a railway station serving Kirknewton in West Lothian, Scotland, Opened as Kirknewton in February 1848, the station was renamed Midcalder and Kirknewton after two months, before becoming Midcalder in 1855. The full circle was finally completed 127 years later in May...
) is not electrified but both ends are electrified, as they are shared with the WCML, Argyle Line and ECML.
- Whifflet LineWhifflet LineThe Whifflet Line is one of the lines within the Strathclyde suburban rail network in Scotland.- History :The line was built between 1863 and 1865 as the Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway, part of the Caledonian Railway. It opened to goods traffic in September 1865 and to passengers in August...
- the line between Whifflet and Rutherglen via Carmyle is not electrified, although there are plans to do so by 2014. Whifflet station is electrified, as part of the Motherwell to Cumbernauld Line.
- Leeds area
- The main line to Leeds from London (via Wakefield WestgateWakefield Westgate railway stationWakefield Westgate railway station is the mainline railway station for the city of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England. It is located on the western edge of the main city centre, on the opposite side from Wakefield's other station, Kirkgate.-Services:...
) was electrified in 1989. In 1994, a project to electrify some of the local lines around Leeds was given authority to proceed. The project was called the "Leeds North West Electrification", and covered lines to Bradford (Forster Square), Skipton (Airedale LineAiredale LineThe Airedale Line is the name given to one of the rail services in the Metro area of northern England. The service is operated by Northern Rail, on the route connecting Leeds and Bradford with Skipton in the North of England. Some services along the line continue to Morecambe or Carlisle...
) and Ilkley (Wharfedale LineWharfedale LineThe Wharfedale Line is the name given to one of the rail services in the West Yorkshire Metro area of northern England. The service connects Ilkley with Leeds and Bradford, and is operated by Northern Rail. West Yorkshire Metrocards are available for use on the line, covering Zones 3 - 5...
).
- Manchester area -
- Manchester to Glossop / Hadfield (converted from the truncated 1500 V DC Manchester-Sheffield-Wath electric railway),
- Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham RailwayManchester, South Junction and Altrincham RailwayThe Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway was a suburban railway which operated a 13.7 km route between Altrincham in Cheshire and London Road Station in Manchester....
(part was converted to Manchester Metrolink) - Styal Line (primarily operated by diesel multiple units)
- Stafford to Manchester LineStafford to Manchester LineThe Stafford to Manchester Line is a branch of the West Coast Main Line serving Stafford, Norton Bridge, Stone, Stoke-on-Trent, Kidsgrove, Congleton, Macclesfield, Cheadle Hulme, Stockport and Manchester....
- branch of WCML, electrified in the wake of the BR 1955 Modernisation Plan. - Crewe to Manchester Line - branch of WCML, electrified in the wake of the 1955 Modernisation Plan.
- Liverpool to Manchester Line - to be electrified as part of plans announced by the British government in July 2009
- West Midlands area
- A few lines out of New StreetBirmingham New Street StationBirmingham New Street is the main railway station serving Birmingham, England, located in the city centre. It is an important hub for the British railway system, being served by a number of important long-distance and cross-country lines, including the Birmingham loop of the West Coast Main Line,...
mainly related to the West Coast Main Line.- Trent Valley LineTrent Valley lineThe Trent Valley Line is a railway line between Rugby and Stafford in England, forming part of the West Coast Main Line.The line was electrified on 25 kV AC system during the 1960s, in the wake of the 1955 British Rail modernisation plan....
- WCML, 1964. - Rugby-Birmingham-Stafford LineRugby-Birmingham-Stafford LineThe Rugby–Birmingham–Stafford Line is a railway line in central England. It is a loop off the West Coast Main Line between Rugby and Stafford via the West Midlands cities of Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.-Places served:The cities, towns and villages served by the line are listed...
- WCML, 1966. - Cross-City Line - 1993.
- Walsall LineChase LineThe Chase Line is the railway line from Birmingham New Street to Walsall and Rugeley.-Overview:The line from Birmingham to Walsall has two alternative routes, both of which are electrified at 25 kV AC overhead...
- electrified from New Street to Walsall.
- Trent Valley Line
- Great Western Main Line (GWML)Great Western Main LineThe Great Western Main Line is a main line railway in Great Britain that runs westwards from London Paddington station to the west of England and South Wales. The core Great Western Main Line runs from London Paddington to Temple Meads railway station in Bristol. A major branch of the Great...
- Electrified in 1994 between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport, a joint venture between British Rail and the British Airports Authority.
- As part of the works for CrossrailCrossrailCrossrail is a project to build a major new railway link under central London. The name refers to the first of two routes which are the responsibility of Crossrail Ltd. It is based on an entirely new east-west tunnel with a central section from to Liverpool Street station...
, the electrified section will be extended as far as Maidenhead. The line from Maidenhead to Bristol and Cardiff, and also lines to Newbury and Oxford, are also to be electrified as part of the upgrade of the GWML. - See Heathrow ExpressHeathrow ExpressHeathrow Express is an airport rail link from London Heathrow Airport to London Paddington station in London operated by the Heathrow Express Operating Authority, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAA. It was opened by the then Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998...
and Heathrow ConnectHeathrow ConnectHeathrow Connect is a train operating company in London provided jointly by Heathrow Express and First Great Western, connecting Heathrow Airport with station. The service follows the same route as the Heathrow Express service but serves intermediate stations en route, thus connecting several... - See also Electrification of GWML
- London CrossrailCrossrailCrossrail is a project to build a major new railway link under central London. The name refers to the first of two routes which are the responsibility of Crossrail Ltd. It is based on an entirely new east-west tunnel with a central section from to Liverpool Street station...
1,500 V DC, overhead
- Tyne and Wear MetroTyne and Wear MetroThe Tyne and Wear Metro, also known as the Metro, is a light rail system in North East England, serving Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Sunderland. It opened in 1980 and in 2007–2008 provided 40 million public journeys on its network of nearly...
- The Tyne and Wear Metro, which opened in 1980, is now the only system in the UK to use 1500 V DC overhead lines. Although it is often described as "light railLight railLight rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
", it is closer to a heavy metro in design, using only segregated track. Much of its route follows that of the previous Tyneside ElectricsTyneside ElectricsThe Tyneside Electrics refers to the suburban railways on Tyneside that were electrified by the North Eastern Railway and the London and North Eastern Railway. The North Tyneside loop was electrified from 1904 onwards and formed one of the earliest suburban electric networks, the South Tyneside...
, which had been converted to diesel by 1967. Since 2002, the Metro has shared mainline track on the Durham Coast LineDurham Coast LineThe Durham Coast Line is the name given to the railway line which links Newcastle upon Tyne with Middlesbrough, via Sunderland and Hartlepool...
to Sunderland, although the overhead lines are not used by any trains other than Metro, and potentially present a problem for mainline services should routes into Sunderland or Newcastle upon TyneNewcastle upon TyneNewcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
that use this section be electrified at 25 kV AC.
750 V DC, overhead
- Manchester MetrolinkManchester MetrolinkMetrolink is a light rail system in Greater Manchester, England. It consists of four lines which converge in Manchester city centre and terminate in Bury, Altrincham, Eccles and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The system is owned by Transport for Greater Manchester and operated under contract by RATP Group...
- Sheffield SupertramSheffield SupertramThe Supertram, officially called the Stagecoach Supertram, is a light rail tram system in the City of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England...
- Croydon TramlinkTramlinkTramlink is a tramway system in south London in the United Kingdom which began operation in May 2000...
- Nottingham express transitNottingham Express TransitNottingham Express Transit is a light-rail tramway in the Nottingham area in England. The first line opened to the public on 9 March 2004, having cost £200 million to construct. The scheme took sixteen years from conception to implementation...
- Midland MetroMidland MetroThe Midland Metro is a light-rail or tram line in the West Midlands of England between the cities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton via West Bromwich and Wednesbury. It is owned and promoted by Centro, and operated by West Midlands Travel Limited, a subsidiary of the National Express Group , under...
600 V DC, overhead
- Blackpool TramwayBlackpool tramwayThe Blackpool tramway runs from Blackpool to Fleetwood on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire, England, and is the only surviving first-generation tramway in the United Kingdom. The tramway dates back to 1885 and is one of the oldest electric tramways in the world. It is run by Blackpool Transport as...
, originally 550 V but in 2011 was uprated to 600 V in order to operate more modern rolling stock.
650 V - 750 V DC, third rail
- Southern Electric
- The LSWRLondon and South Western RailwayThe London and South Western Railway was a railway company in England from 1838 to 1922. Its network extended from London to Plymouth via Salisbury and Exeter, with branches to Ilfracombe and Padstow and via Southampton to Bournemouth and Weymouth. It also had many routes connecting towns in...
third rail system at 660 V DC began before World War One from Waterloo to various suburban destinations. The Southern RailwaySouthern Railway (Great Britain)The Southern Railway was a British railway company established in the 1923 Grouping. It linked London with the Channel ports, South West England, South coast resorts and Kent...
was one of the companies formed in the 1923 grouping and it adopted the LSWR system, by 1929 the LBSCRLondon, Brighton and South Coast RailwayThe London, Brighton and South Coast Railway was a railway company in the United Kingdom from 1846 to 1922. Its territory formed a rough triangle, with London at its apex, practically the whole coastline of Sussex as its base, and a large part of Surrey...
suburban overhead network was replaced by third rail. The South Eastern Main Line was electrified at 600 V but later upgraded to 750 V DC. The third rail extended throughout most South London lines under Southern control (LBSCR and SECRSouth Eastern and Chatham RailwayThe South Eastern and Chatham Railway Companies Joint Management Committee , known by its shorter name of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway was a working union of two neighbouring rival railways, the South Eastern Railway and London, Chatham and Dover Railway , that operated services between...
), then out of all its London termini. Throughout the 1930s there was much main line electrification including the Brighton mainlineBrighton Main LineThe Brighton Main Line is a British railway line from London Victoria and London Bridge to Brighton. It is about 50 miles long, and is electrified throughout. Trains are operated by Southern, First Capital Connect, and Gatwick Express, now part of Southern.-Original proposals:There were no fewer...
including EastEast Coastway LineEast Coastway is the name used by the train operating company, Southern , for the routes it operates along the south coast of Sussex and Kent to the east of Brighton, England. Those to the West of Brighton are named the West Coastway Line...
, West CoastwaysWest Coastway LineThe West Coastway Line is a railway line in England, along the south coast of West Sussex and Hampshire, between Brighton and Southampton, plus the short branches to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis....
and related routes (1932/33), and the Portsmouth Direct LinePortsmouth Direct LineThe Portsmouth Direct Line is the route of a railway service operated by South West Trains which runs between London Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour, England...
(4 July 1937) and the lines to Maidstone and Gillingham (1939).
- After World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
electrification was soon resumed under the newly nationalised British RailBritish RailBritish Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...
's southern regionSouthern Region of British RailwaysThe Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...
. The BR 1955 Modernisation Plan included the two-stage "Kent Coast Electrification". The Chatham mainlineChatham Main LineThe Chatham Main Line is a British railway line that runs from either London Victoria to Dover Priory / Ramsgate or London St Pancras to Faversham, with both services travelling via Medway...
was completed, then the SER mainline and related lines. At this time, the voltage used was changed from 660 V to 750 V. Since then, all further electrification has used 750 V but the lines electrified before this time remain at 660 V. Attention then switched to the neglected LSWR region (now titled the South Western Division). The South Western Main LineSouth Western Main LineThe South Western Main Line is a railway line between London Waterloo and Weymouth on the Dorset coast, in the south of England. It is a major railway which serves many important commuter areas, as well as the major settlements of Southampton and Bournemouth...
(SWML) to SouthamptonSouthampton Central railway stationSouthampton Central railway station is a main line railway station serving the city of Southampton in Hampshire, southern England. It is on the Wessex Main Line, the South Western Main Line and the West Coastway Line...
and BournemouthBournemouth railway stationBournemouth railway station, originally known as Bournemouth East and then Bournemouth Central , is the main railway station serving the town of Bournemouth in Dorset, England. It is located on the South Western Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth...
was electrified in 1967 and completed to WeymouthWeymouthWeymouth is a seaside town in Dorset, England, situated on a sheltered bay at the mouth of the River Wey on the English Channel coast. The town is south of Dorchester and north of the Isle of Portland. The town's population is 52,950 ....
in 1988. The Island LineIsland Line, Isle of WightThe Island Line is a railway line on the Isle of Wight, running some from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin down the eastern side of the island. The line was electrified in 1967. Trains connect with passenger ferries to Portsmouth Harbour at Ryde Pier Head, and these ferries in turn connect with the...
was electrified in 1967.
- Under sectorisation in the 1980s, Network SouthEastNetwork SouthEastNetwork SouthEast was one of three passenger sectors of British Rail created in 1982. NSE principally operated commuter trains in the London area and inter-urban services in densely populated South East England, although the network reached as far west as Exeter...
conducted extensive infill electrification. The Snow Hill tunnelSnow Hill tunnelSnow Hill Tunnel is a railway tunnel on the northern edge of the City of London between City Thameslink and Farringdon stations. The tunnel runs beneath the Smithfield meat market and was constructed using the cut and cover method immediately prior to the building of the market...
was reopened, enabling ThameslinkThameslinkThameslink is a fifty-station main-line route in the British railway system running north to south through London from Bedford to Brighton, serving both London Gatwick Airport and London Luton Airport. It opened as a through service in 1988 and by 1998 was severely overcrowded, carrying more than...
. The Hastings LineHastings LineThe Hastings Line is a railway line in Kent and East Sussex linking Hastings with the main town of Tunbridge Wells, and from there into London via Sevenoaks.-Openings:The line was opened by the South Eastern Railway in main three stages: – :...
, Eastleigh to Fareham LineEastleigh to Fareham LineThe Eastleigh-Fareham Line is the railway line from Eastleigh to Fareham in the United Kingdom. At Eastleigh, trains join the South Western Main Line for onward travel to Basingstoke, Reading or to London Waterloo. At Fareham trains join the West Coastway line for onward travel to Portsmouth or...
, Oxted Line - East Grinstead branchOxted LineThe Oxted Line is a railway line in southern England. It was originally operated jointly by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and the South Eastern Railway. It is now part of the Southern franchise....
were also electrified. This left only a few generally isolated, rural lines and freight branches un-electrified (West of England Main LineWest of England Main LineThe West of England Main Line is a British railway line that runs from , Hampshire to Exeter St Davids in Devon, England. Passenger services run between London Waterloo station and Exeter...
, North Downs LineNorth Downs LineThe North Downs Line is the name of the passenger train service connecting Reading, on the Great Western Main Line, to Gatwick Airport, on the Brighton Main Line...
, Marshlink LineMarshlink LineThe Marshlink Line is the name given to services on the railway line linking Ashford with Hastings in the South East of England. The line was part of an original proposal by a company named the Brighton Lewes and Hastings Railway to extend its coast route to Hastings...
, and Oxted Line - Uckfield branchOxted LineThe Oxted Line is a railway line in southern England. It was originally operated jointly by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and the South Eastern Railway. It is now part of the Southern franchise....
).
- MerseyrailMerseyrailMerseyrail is a train operating company and commuter rail network in the United Kingdom, centred on Liverpool, Merseyside. The network is predominantly electric with diesel trains running on the City Line. Two City Line branches are currently being electrified on the overhead wire AC system with...
- This uses 750 V. See Suburban electrification of the London, Midland and Scottish RailwaySuburban electrification of the London, Midland and Scottish RailwayThe London, Midland and Scottish Railway was involved in the development of railway electrification of Britain. Like the LNER and the SR the LMS took over several schemes that had been developed by its constituent companies and also completed some of its own. All were suburban lines, in London,...
for the history.
- London and North Western RailwayLondon and North Western RailwayThe London and North Western Railway was a British railway company between 1846 and 1922. It was created by the merger of three companies – the Grand Junction Railway, the London and Birmingham Railway and the Manchester and Birmingham Railway...
- EustonEuston railway stationEuston railway station, also known as London Euston, is a central London railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden. It is the sixth busiest rail terminal in London . It is one of 18 railway stations managed by Network Rail, and is the southern terminus of the West Coast Main Line...
and Broad Street to Watford JunctionWatford Junction railway stationOn 23 January 1975, an express train from Manchester to Euston derailed just south of Watford Junction after striking some stillages that had fallen on to the track. It then collided with a sleeper service from Euston to Glasgow. The driver of the Manchester train was killed, and eight passengers...
and Croxley GreenCroxley Green railway stationCroxley Green is a disused railway station near Watford, outside London, UK. It is located between Watford and the village of Croxley Green to the west of Watford, at the end of a short branch line.-History:...
(Watford DC LineWatford DC LineThe Watford DC Line is a commuter railway line from London Euston to Watford Junction. Services on the line are operated by London Overground....
) - Richmond - North Woolwich (North London LineNorth London LineThe North London Line is a railway line which passes through the inner suburbs of north London, England. Its route is a rough semicircle from the south west to the north east, avoiding central London. The line is owned and maintained by Network Rail...
)
- See Suburban electrification of the London, Midland and Scottish RailwaySuburban electrification of the London, Midland and Scottish RailwayThe London, Midland and Scottish Railway was involved in the development of railway electrification of Britain. Like the LNER and the SR the LMS took over several schemes that had been developed by its constituent companies and also completed some of its own. All were suburban lines, in London,...
for the history. In 1970 the North London DC lines and the Class 501 EMUsBritish Rail Class 501The British Rail Class 501 electric multiple units were built in 1957/58 for use on the former LNWR/LMS suburban electric network of the London Midland Region...
used on these services were converted for third rail operation, with generally the fourth rail being removed on sections of lines not used by LUL. Some fourth rail was retained in the Gunnersbury and Queens Park areas for emergency use by LUL. With the closure of Broad Street, the NLL was joined with former Broad Street to North Woolwich via Stratford line, to extend the NLL: this section was electrified with third rail and overhead line as far as Stratford and just third rail to North Woolwich. Two branches off the Watford DC Line have been closed; to RickmansworthRickmansworth (Church Street) stationRickmansworth railway station was a London and North Western Railway station in the Rickmansworth area of west Hertfordshire...
in 1952 (to passengers, goods 1967) and to Croxley GreenCroxley Green railway stationCroxley Green is a disused railway station near Watford, outside London, UK. It is located between Watford and the village of Croxley Green to the west of Watford, at the end of a short branch line.-History:...
in 1996.
- The Watford DC Line between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone is used by London OvergroundLondon OvergroundLondon Overground is a suburban rail network in London and Hertfordshire. It has been operated by London Overground Rail Operations since 2007 as part of the National Rail network, under the franchise control and branding of Transport for London...
trains designed for 750 V third rail and Bakerloo LineBakerloo LineThe Bakerloo line is a line of the London Underground, coloured brown on the Tube map. It runs partly on the surface and partly at deep level, from Elephant and Castle in the south-east to Harrow & Wealdstone in the north-west of London. The line serves 25 stations, of which 15 are underground...
trains designed for 630 V third and fourth rail. As a compromise the nominal line voltage is 650 V, and the centre rail is bonded to the return running rail. There are no special provisions needed at Queens Park where the two dissimilar systems meet, merely a gap longer than one coach of a Bakerloo Line train at the entry to and exit from the Bakerloo Line section, which operates with nominally -210 V on th fourth rail and +420 V on the third rail. There is no bridging of these incompatible systems as trains pass from one to the other, because like all UK electric trains intended to run extensively in tunnels, there is no continuity of traction power circuits between vehicles in the train.
- The North London Line between Richmond and Gunnersbury is used by London OvergroundLondon OvergroundLondon Overground is a suburban rail network in London and Hertfordshire. It has been operated by London Overground Rail Operations since 2007 as part of the National Rail network, under the franchise control and branding of Transport for London...
trains designed for 750 V third rail and District LineDistrict LineThe District line is a line of the London Underground, coloured green on the Tube map. It is a "sub-surface" line, running through the central area in shallow cut-and-cover tunnels. It is the busiest of the sub-surface lines. Out of the 60 stations served, 25 are underground...
trains designed for 630 V third and fourth rail. As a compromise the nominal line voltage is 660 V, and the centre rail is bonded to the return running rail. A similar arrangement applies on the District LineDistrict LineThe District line is a line of the London Underground, coloured green on the Tube map. It is a "sub-surface" line, running through the central area in shallow cut-and-cover tunnels. It is the busiest of the sub-surface lines. Out of the 60 stations served, 25 are underground...
between Putney Bridge and Wimbledon, where the District LineDistrict LineThe District line is a line of the London Underground, coloured green on the Tube map. It is a "sub-surface" line, running through the central area in shallow cut-and-cover tunnels. It is the busiest of the sub-surface lines. Out of the 60 stations served, 25 are underground...
runs over tracks owned by Network RailNetwork RailNetwork Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
. These tracks are used by South West TrainsSouth West TrainsSouth West Trains is a British train operating company providing, under franchise, passenger rail services, mostly out of Waterloo station, to the southwest of London in the suburbs and in the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Berkshire, and Wiltshire and on the Isle of Wight...
, though normally only for stock movements.
- Northern City Line
- The Northern City Line connects the East Coast Main LineEast Coast Main LineThe East Coast Main Line is a long electrified high-speed railway link between London, Peterborough, Doncaster, Wakefield, Leeds, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Edinburgh...
to MoorgateMoorgate stationMoorgate station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground station on Moorgate in the City of London; it provides National Rail services by First Capital Connect for Hertford, Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth and also serves the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan Lines and...
. It was isolated by the abandonment of the 1930s "New Works" programme (and the development of the Metropolitan Green BeltMetropolitan Green BeltThe Metropolitan Green Belt is a statutory green belt around London, England. It includes designated parts of Greater London and the surrounding counties of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey in the South East and East of England regions.-History:The...
). Tube services were truncated at its northern end by the new Victoria LineVictoria LineThe Victoria line is a deep-level London Underground line running from the south to the north-east of London. It is coloured light blue on the Tube map...
in 1964, at Drayton Park. The remainder was handed over to BR in 1975 in conjunction with the suburban electrification of the East Coast Main LineEast Coast Main LineThe East Coast Main Line is a long electrified high-speed railway link between London, Peterborough, Doncaster, Wakefield, Leeds, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Edinburgh...
. The line uses 25 kV AC overhead and third rail DC electrification at 750 volts, with the switchover at the platform at Drayton Park.
630 V DC, fourth rail
- London UndergroundLondon UndergroundThe London Underground is a rapid transit system serving a large part of Greater London and some parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex in England...
- The London UndergroundLondon UndergroundThe London Underground is a rapid transit system serving a large part of Greater London and some parts of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex in England...
is a large metro system operating across LondonGreater LondonGreater London is the top-level administrative division of England covering London. It was created in 1965 and spans the City of London, including Middle Temple and Inner Temple, and the 32 London boroughs. This territory is coterminate with the London Government Office Region and the London...
, and beyond, commonly known as "the Tube". The 408 km (253 mileMileA mile is a unit of length, most commonly 5,280 feet . The mile of 5,280 feet is sometimes called the statute mile or land mile to distinguish it from the nautical mile...
s) network is made up of 11 lines and has been electrified for some time, starting in the 1890s. The network was largely unified between 1900–1910 and nationalised in 1933 becoming the railway component of London Transport (LT). A major expansion programme, the "New Works", was immediately launched, in which LT took over several urban branches of mainline railways.
- The London Underground network has historically been located in north London, its expansion into south London was limited by geology unfavourable to tunnelling and by the existing extensive above-ground railway network in the area much of which was being electrified (see "Southern Electric").
- The Underground uses a relatively obscure four rail system of electrification. Two standard gaugeStandard gaugeThe standard gauge is a widely-used track gauge . Approximately 60% of the world's existing railway lines are built to this gauge...
rails are the running rails; the outer third rail carries positive current at +420 V DC, while the inner fourth rail is the negative return at –210 V DC, giving a supply voltage of 630 V DC.
- The main advantage of the fourth rail system is that, in tunnels with metallic linings (usually cast-iron), the return traction current does not tend to leak into the linings and cause electrolytic corrosion there or in neighbouring utility metal mains. The two running rails are also available exclusively for signalling track circuitTrack circuitA track circuit is a simple electrical device used to detect the absence of a train on rail tracks, used to inform signallers and control relevant signals.- Principles and operation :...
s.
- The surface sections of the lines use the fourth rail solely for operational consistency. The system shares track with Network Rail in several places. Some of these are non-electrified sections of the national railway network (e.g. Chiltern RailwaysChiltern RailwaysChiltern Railways is a British train operating company. It was set up at the privatisation of British Rail in 1996, and operates local passenger trains from Marylebone station in London to Aylesbury and main-line trains on the Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham Snow Hill with its associated branches...
out of Marylebone stationMarylebone stationMarylebone station , also known as London Marylebone, is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex. It stands midway between the mainline stations at Euston and Paddington, about 1 mile from each...
) and diesel trains are used (by Network Rail). The suburban network of London North Western Railway (LNWR) was electrified in co-operation with London Underground but, in the 1970s, British Rail introduced third-rail EMUs and the sections of the LNWR suburban network not used by the Underground had the fourth rail removed (see London and North Western Railway).
750 V DC, third rail (bottom contact)
- Docklands Light RailwayDocklands Light RailwayThe Docklands Light Railway is an automated light metro or light rail system opened on 31 August 1987 to serve the redeveloped Docklands area of London...
- This system uses bottom-contact third rail. The third rail is composite, with an aluminiumAluminiumAluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
body and a steelSteelSteel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
contact surface. The benefit of this is a low-resistance, high current capacity rail that has a durable steel surface for current collection. The rail may be surrounded by insulating material on the top and sides to reduce the risk of electrocutionElectrocutionElectrocution is a type of electric shock that, as determined by a stopped heart, can end life. Electrocution is frequently used to refer to any electric shock received but is technically incorrect; the choice of definition varies from dictionary to dictionary...
to railway staff and trespassers. The bottom-contact system is less prone to derangement by snowSnowSnow is a form of precipitation within the Earth's atmosphere in the form of crystalline water ice, consisting of a multitude of snowflakes that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material. It has an open and therefore soft structure, unless packed by...
than the top-contact system.
250 V DC, third rail
- Hythe Pier RailwayHythe Pier, Railway and FerryHythe Pier, the Hythe Pier Railway and the Hythe Ferry together provide a transport link between the English port city of Southampton and the Hampshire village of Hythe on the opposite side of Southampton Water...
, electrified in 1922.
110 V DC, third Rail
- Volk's Electric RailwayVolk's Electric RailwayVolk's Electric Railway is the oldest operating electric railway in the world. It is a narrow gauge railway that runs along a length of the seafront of the English seaside resort of Brighton...
was originally electrified at 50 V DC. This was raised to 160 V in 1884, and then reduced to the present 110 V DC in the 1980s.
100 V DC, four rail
- Elevated 'monorail' system at National Motor MuseumNational Motor MuseumThe National Motor Museum is a museum in the village of Beaulieu, set in the heart of the New Forest, in the English county of Hampshire.- History :...
, Beaulieu. Although described as a monorail, the system actually uses rubber tyres that run on two metal tracks either side of the central guide. Because it is rubber tyred, it requires two current conductors and two collectors, hence the four rail designation.
Systems no longer used
Great Britain has used a number of different electrification systems in the past. Many of these date from the early part of the 20th century when electricity was being experimented with for traction purposes. This section describes each system, in order of decreasing voltage.6,600 V, 25 Hz AC, overhead
- Lancaster to Heysham via MorecambeMorecambe Branch LineThe Morecambe Branch Line is a railway line in Lancashire, England, from Lancaster to Morecambe and Heysham where services connect with the ferry service to Douglas on the Isle of Man. To reach Heysham, trains must reverse at Morecambe....
(Morecambe Branch Line) - LBSCR's 'Elevated Electric' London suburban lines
6,250 V 50 Hz AC, overhead
During the initial electrification of parts of the network to 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead the initial solution to the limited clearance problems in suburban areas (due to numerous tunnels and bridges) in London and Glasgow was to use the lower voltage of 6,250 V. Latter technological improvements in insulation allowed these areas to be converted to 25 kV. The last sections of 6,250 V were converted in the 1980s and this system of electrification is now obsolete in the UK.- London, Tilbury and Southend (LTS)London, Tilbury and Southend RailwayThe London, Tilbury and Southend Railway is an English railway line linking Fenchurch Street railway station in the City of London with northeast London and the entire length of the northern Thames Gateway area of southern Essex. It is currently known as the Essex Thameside Route by Network Rail...
- The majority of the line was electrified at 6,250 V in the early 1960s. Some sections were electrified using 25 kV from the outset. The sections electrified at 6,250 V were converted to 25 kV in the early 1980s.
- Shenfield MetroGreat Eastern Main LineThe Great Eastern Main Line is a 212 Kilometre major railway line of the British railway system, which connects Liverpool Street in the City of London with destinations in east London and the East of England, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and several coastal resorts such as...
- The line was originally electrified at 1,500 V DC overhead in the 1950s. In the early 1960s, the line was converted to 6,250 V AC overhead. In the early 1980s, the line was converted for a second time, to 25 kV.
- Glasgow Suburban network
- The majority of the network was originally electrified at 6,250 V in the early 1960s. Some sections were electrified using 25 kV from the outset. The sections electrified at 6,250 V were converted to 25 kV in the early 1980s.
- North Clyde LineNorth Clyde LineThe North Clyde Line is a suburban railway in West Central Scotland. The route is operated by First ScotRail, on behalf of Transport Scotland...
- the central area, Springburn, Bridgeton and Milngavie branches and the Yoker loop) - Cathcart Circle Line
- See SPTStrathclyde Partnership for TransportThe Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is a public body which is responsible for planning and co-ordinating regional transport, and especially the public transport system, in the Strathclyde area of western Scotland...
and Transport in GlasgowTransport in GlasgowThe city of Glasgow, Scotland has a transport system encompassing air, rail, road, and an underground rail circuit. Prior to 1962, the city was also served by trams.-Airports:Glasgow is served by two international airports and a seaplane terminal:...
3,500 V DC, overhead
- Bury to Holcombe Brook
- This was electrified by the Lancashire and Yorkshire RailwayLancashire and Yorkshire RailwayThe Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway was a major British railway company before the 1923 Grouping. It was incorporated in 1847 from an amalgamation of several existing railways...
in 1913 as part of a trial system for export. The system was converted to third rail in 1918 (see above).
1,500 V DC, overhead
In the wake of World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the British Government set up a committee to investigate the various systems of railway electrification and, in 1921, it reported that 1,500 V DC overhead should be the future national standard. Several schemes were implemented in its wake, although the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
meant very little work was done. Technological advances post-war meant the 25 kV AC system was adopted instead, for the West Coast Main line and Glasgow suburban electrification, as set out in the BR 1955 Modernisation Plan - at the same time the large amounts of money had/were still being spent converting several lines to 1,500 V DC.
- Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham RailwayManchester, South Junction and Altrincham RailwayThe Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway was a suburban railway which operated a 13.7 km route between Altrincham in Cheshire and London Road Station in Manchester....
- A joint LMSLondon, Midland and Scottish RailwayThe London Midland and Scottish Railway was a British railway company. It was formed on 1 January 1923 under the Railways Act of 1921, which required the grouping of over 120 separate railway companies into just four...
and LNERLondon and North Eastern RailwayThe London and North Eastern Railway was the second-largest of the "Big Four" railway companies created by the Railways Act 1921 in Britain...
effort, opened on 11 May 1931. The success of this scheme propelled LNER's later electrification efforts. The line was converted to 25 kV AC in 1971 but the stretch between AltrinchamAltrincham railway stationAltrincham Interchange serves the town of Altrincham in Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom. It was originally named Altrincham and Bowdon railway station and is located on Stamford New Road, adjacent to the Altrincham Ice Dome—home to the Manchester Phoenix ice hockey team...
and Trafford BarTrafford Bar Metrolink stationTrafford Bar Metrolink Station serves the areas of Old Trafford and Whalley Range in Greater Manchester and lies at the junction of Talbot Road and Seymour Grove, it is also one of several stops used for Old Trafford Stadium and thus one of the busier on the line. Once the current construction of...
plus the stretch between Trafford Bar and the Cornbrook viaduct were later incorporated into Manchester MetrolinkManchester MetrolinkMetrolink is a light rail system in Greater Manchester, England. It consists of four lines which converge in Manchester city centre and terminate in Bury, Altrincham, Eccles and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The system is owned by Transport for Greater Manchester and operated under contract by RATP Group...
and converted again, to 750 V DC.
- Manchester-Sheffield-WathManchester-Sheffield-Wath electric railwayThe Manchester-Sheffield-Wath electric railway was an early electrification scheme on British railways. The route featured long ascents on both sides of the Pennines with the long Woodhead Tunnel at its central summit close to the Woodhead pass...
- Known as the Woodhead Route. The LNER chose this hilly and busy mainline for its first mainline electrification, with work starting in 1936. Due to the depression and World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, it was not completed until the 1950s. After completion, the government chose to standardise on 25 kV AC instead, leaving the Woodhead Route and the few other 1,500 V DC lines isolated and non-standard. In subsequent rationalisation by BR, much of this route closed east of Hadfield in 1981 in favour of the more southerly Hope Valley LineHope Valley LineThe Hope Valley Line is a railway line in England linking Sheffield with Manchester. It was completed in 1894.From Sheffield, trains head down the Midland Main Line to Dore, where the Hope Valley Line branches off to run through the Totley Tunnel .It emerges in the stunning scenery of the Hope...
, which serves more local communities. The remaining stub in Manchester was converted to 25 kV AC in December 1984.
- Shenfield Metro
- LNER decided to electrify the Liverpool StreetLiverpool Street stationLiverpool Street railway station, also known as London Liverpool Street or simply Liverpool Street, is both a central London railway terminus and a connected London Underground station in the north-eastern corner of the City of London, England...
to ShenfieldShenfield railway stationShenfield is a major station located in Shenfield in the borough of Brentwood in Essex, England. It lies on the Great Eastern Main Line and links Liverpool Street station in the City of London to places in the East of England. It was first opened by the Eastern Counties Railway on 29 March 1843 on...
section of the Great Eastern Main LineGreat Eastern Main LineThe Great Eastern Main Line is a 212 Kilometre major railway line of the British railway system, which connects Liverpool Street in the City of London with destinations in east London and the East of England, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and several coastal resorts such as...
(GEML), known as the Shenfield Metro. Civil engineering works began in the 1930s but World War II intervened. Work was completed in 1949 and extended to ChelmsfordChelmsford railway stationChelmsford railway station is a railway station serving the town of Chelmsford in Essex. The station is located on the Great Eastern Main Line.The station is served by National Express East Anglia...
and Southend (Victoria) in 1956 using Class 306 (AM6) EMUsBritish Rail Class 306The British Rail Class 306 was a type of electric multiple unit introduced in 1949. It consisted of 92 three-car trains which were used on newly electrified suburban lines between and London Liverpool Street.- Overview :...
. It was converted to the new standard of 25 kV AC, initially with some sections at 6,250 V, on 4—6 November 1960, in the wake of the BR 1955 Modernisation Plan that called for 25 kV AC to be the new standard. The rest of the GEML was subsequently electrified.
- Shildon to Newport
- This line ran from ShildonShildonShildon is a town in County Durham, in England. It is situated 2 miles to the south east of Bishop Auckland and 11 miles north of Darlington. It is 13 miles away from Durham, 23 miles from Sunderland and 23 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne...
(County Durham) to Newport (near Middlesbrough). The route was initially over the 1825 Stockton to Darlington line, then via Simpasture Junction, the ex-Clarence railway through Carlton, Carlton Junction to Carlton South Junction, Bowesfield West Junction to Bowesfield Junction, through Thornaby and ending at Erimus yard Newport East. In the wake of the electrification of Tyneside by the NERNorth Eastern Railway (UK)The North Eastern Railway , was an English railway company. It was incorporated in 1854, when four existing companies were combined, and was absorbed into the London and North Eastern Railway at the Grouping in 1923...
, this coal-carrying line was electrified between 1 July 1915 and 1 January 1916, as a planned precursor to electrifying NER's busy York to Newcastle main line (part of the ECML). The electrification system was removed by the LNER (between 7 January 1935 and 8 July 1935) due to the decline in the coal market making it uneconomic to undertake the significant renewals required to continue electric operation. The locomotives were stored for other electrified routes.
1,200 V DC, third rail (side-contact)
- Manchester Victoria - Bury
- In 1917, the line between Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria stationManchester Victoria station in Manchester, England is the city's second largest mainline railway station. It is also a Metrolink station, one of eight within the City Zone...
and BuryBury InterchangeBury Interchange is an interchange in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. The interchange was opened in 1980, incorporating a new bus station and the northern terminus of the Bury to Manchester railway line.-History:...
was electrified using 1,200 V DC third rail (side contact). The line between Bury and Holcombe Brook that had been electrified using 3,500 V DC overhead in 1913 was converted to this system in 1918. This system was abandoned in 1991 when the line was converted to 750 V DC system and became part of the Manchester MetrolinkManchester MetrolinkMetrolink is a light rail system in Greater Manchester, England. It consists of four lines which converge in Manchester city centre and terminate in Bury, Altrincham, Eccles and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The system is owned by Transport for Greater Manchester and operated under contract by RATP Group...
600 V DC, third rail
- Tyneside Electrics
- This was electrified in 1904, in response to extensive competition from new electric trams. The concept was a success for the North Eastern RailwayNorth Eastern Railway (UK)The North Eastern Railway , was an English railway company. It was incorporated in 1854, when four existing companies were combined, and was absorbed into the London and North Eastern Railway at the Grouping in 1923...
(NER) a noted early pioneer in electrification, as passenger numbers returned to pre Tram levels. As the stock reached life expectancy in 1937, the network was remodelled by London and North Eastern RailwayLondon and North Eastern RailwayThe London and North Eastern Railway was the second-largest of the "Big Four" railway companies created by the Railways Act 1921 in Britain...
(LNER) to reflect the changing industrial and residential makeup of the area. Electrified at the same time was the dockside branch, where a pair of Class ES1British Rail Class ES1British Rail Class ES1 was a class of two electric locomotives commissioned by the North Eastern Railway in 1902. They were of steeplecab design....
(formerly NER No.1 and 2) locomotives were introduced from 1905. These British Thomson-HoustonBritish Thomson-HoustonBritish Thomson-Houston was a British engineering and heavy industrial company, based at Rugby, Warwickshire, England. They were known primarily for their electrical systems and steam turbines. They were merged with the similar Metropolitan-Vickers company in 1928, but the two maintained their own...
locomotives operated from both the third rail and from overhead line. British RailBritish RailBritish Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...
brought in third-rail stock (12 2EPBBritish Rail Class 416British Rail Class 416 electric multiple units were built between 1953 and 1956. They were intended for inner suburban passenger services on London's Southern Electric network...
s) from the Southern Region in 1955. The electrification was removed by British Rail in between 1963 and 1967, citing the changing industrial and population makeup of the area reducing the need for electric traction. Much of the Tyneside network was re-electrified using 1500 V DC overhead as the Tyne and Wear MetroTyne and Wear MetroThe Tyne and Wear Metro, also known as the Metro, is a light rail system in North East England, serving Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside and Sunderland. It opened in 1980 and in 2007–2008 provided 40 million public journeys on its network of nearly...
.
525 V DC, third rail
- Liverpool Overhead RailwayLiverpool Overhead RailwayThe Liverpool Overhead Railway was the world's first electrically operated overhead railway. The railway was carried mainly on iron viaducts, with a corrugated iron decking, onto which the tracks were laid. It ran close to the River Mersey in Liverpool, England, following the line of Liverpool Docks...
- The Liverpool Overhead Railway was one of the earliest electric railways in Great Britain. The first section between Alexandra DockAlexandra Dock (LOR) railway stationAlexandra Dock was a station located on the Liverpool Overhead Railway, west of Regent Road and within the MDHC Dock Estate. The station was named after the adjacent Alexandra Dock....
and Herculaneum Dock was opened in 1893. The line connected with Lancashire and Yorkshire RailwayLancashire and Yorkshire RailwayThe Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway was a major British railway company before the 1923 Grouping. It was incorporated in 1847 from an amalgamation of several existing railways...
's North Mersey BranchNorth Mersey BranchThe North Mersey Branch is a railway line that connected the Liverpool and Bury Railway at Fazakerley Junction with the Gladstone Dock. It was opened in 1867 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.- Usage :...
. It was never nationalised and it closed on 30 December 1956 due to extensive corrosion throughout its iron infrastructure, which was deemed uneconomical to replace.
500 V DC, overhead
- Grimsby and Immingham RailwayGrimsby & Immingham Electric RailwayThe Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway was an electric tramway linking Grimsby with the port of Immingham in Lincolnshire, England.It is probably best described by the American term "interurban" as it ran on reserved track rather that through the streets....
500 V DC, third rail
- City and South London Railway
- The City and South London Railway electrification was unusual compared with later schemes in that it used a 3-wire DC system. This meant that although the offset centre third rail was electrified at +500 volts in the northbound tunnel, it was electrified at -500 volts in the southbound tunnel. The motors on the locomotives and the incandescent electric lamps in the carriages worked regardless of the polarity of the supply.
- The 3-wire system itself was adopted because the initial system was fed directly from the dynamoDynamo- Engineering :* Dynamo, a magnetic device originally used as an electric generator* Dynamo theory, a theory relating to magnetic fields of celestial bodies* Solar dynamo, the physical process that generates the Sun's magnetic field- Software :...
s in the surface located power plant at the Stockwell end of the line. It was therefore important to minimise the volt drop as far as possible, bearing in mind the rather steep gradient on the approach to King William Street station.
Facts and figures
Rail transport in Great Britain
The railway system in Great Britain is the oldest in the world, with the world's first locomotive-hauled public railway opening in 1825. As of 2010, it consists of of standard gauge lines , of which are electrified. These lines range from single to double, triple, quadruple track and up to twelve...
was electrified
Railway electrification system
A railway electrification system supplies electrical energy to railway locomotives and multiple units as well as trams so that they can operate without having an on-board prime mover. There are several different electrification systems in use throughout the world...
and 60% of all rail journeys were by electric traction (both by locomotives
Electric locomotive
An electric locomotive is a locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or an on-board energy storage device...
and multiple unit
Multiple unit
The term multiple unit or MU is used to describe a self-propelled carriages capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still being controlled from one driving cab. The term is commonly used to denote passenger trainsets consisting of more than one carriage...
s)
According to Network Rail
Network Rail
Network Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
, 66% of the electrified network uses the 25 kV AC overhead system and 36% uses the 660/750 V DC third rail system.
See also
- Suburban electrification of the London, Midland and Scottish RailwaySuburban electrification of the London, Midland and Scottish RailwayThe London, Midland and Scottish Railway was involved in the development of railway electrification of Britain. Like the LNER and the SR the LMS took over several schemes that had been developed by its constituent companies and also completed some of its own. All were suburban lines, in London,...
- Manchester-Sheffield-Wath electric railwayManchester-Sheffield-Wath electric railwayThe Manchester-Sheffield-Wath electric railway was an early electrification scheme on British railways. The route featured long ascents on both sides of the Pennines with the long Woodhead Tunnel at its central summit close to the Woodhead pass...
- Volk's Electric RailwayVolk's Electric RailwayVolk's Electric Railway is the oldest operating electric railway in the world. It is a narrow gauge railway that runs along a length of the seafront of the English seaside resort of Brighton...