Altrincham to Chester line gets £800,000 upgrade
Network Rail will invest £800,000 in a section of track between Altrincham and Ashley, allowing faster journeys from Manchester to Chester via Northwich.
The major improvements, which will see 2,500 tonnes of railway stone and 700 sleepers replaced, along with new drainage works. This will allow a 20mph speed limit on the section of track to be lifted.
Improvement will take place on three consecutive Sundays – 30 June, 7 July and 14 July – along with a full weekend between 10 and 12 August. Following completion, trains will be able to run at up to 75mph through the section, which is the key route connecting Altrincham, Hale, Northwich, and Chester.
The section of track is known as the Bleeding Wolf, named after a folk legend from the 13th century where the Earl of Chester was attacked by an injured wolf, and was saved by local forester Adam De Lauton. The legend also leant its name to a pub on Ashley Road, which has since closed and has been converted into flats.
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “This is vital improvement work which will protect the journeys of our customers in Cheshire for years to come. Whilst any disruption is regrettable, I hope our customers understand the importance of this work and I’d like to thank them in advance for their patience.
“This work, alongside our own introduction of improved trains in Cheshire, is proof that the Great North Rail Project is making a real difference for rail travellers across the region.”
