Telecommunications Enhancement Project on Oldfield Road

This project is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and aims to improve capacity and reliability in the Manchester area, as identified in the Cross Manchester Capacity and Reliability Improvement Study. The work involves designing and delivering an East-facing turnback on the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Line, located near the existing Salford Hope Street sidings, between Salford Central Station and the Oldfield Road Bridge. Currently, terminating trains at Victoria Station occupy platforms for extended periods, limiting availability for through services. The new turnback siding will allow these trains to clear the platform and wait for their next duty, enhancing service efficiency. Additionally, it will provide an extra stop at Salford Central Station for passengers heading to Manchester Spinningfields, a key employment area. The turnback will also serve as a recovery measure during service disruptions. The turnback will consist of two tracks, accommodating trains of up to 8 cars (24m) on one track and 6 cars (24m) on the other, with access to platforms 3-6 at Manchester Victoria. It will be fully electrified at 25kV and equipped with signaling for regular use. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to: - Testing new FTN-x transmission circuits to meet FTN-x Network Requirements - Commissioning FTN-x equipment in existing FTN/FTN-x Nodes - Testing new copper cables (including VlVt where applicable) - Testing existing spare pairs on copper cables - Testing lineside telephony services - Updating the Northgate Concentrator at MROC.