Rail link reinstatement progresses
Merseytravel has approved a report recommending improved rail links between Liverpool, Cheshire and North Wales, with the possibility of new direct services from Lime Street.
The transport executive will fund research for the next stage of a rail project which will allow for the outline design and construction of the Halton Curve. This would bring back into full use the section of the line that links the Chester-Warrington line and the Liverpool-Crewe line at Frodsham Junction.
Full re-opening of the curve would improve links to Liverpool John Lennon Airport as well as opening up more leisure and work opportunities across the region.
The estimated cost of delivering the project is £10.6m and would be dependent on work scheduled by Network Rail to take place in 2016.
This project is being developed by Merseytravel, Halton Council, the Welsh Government and a consortium of six county authorities in North Wales.
Merseytravel will be seeking contributions to the latest complex phase in the research which is expected to cost around £500,000.
Cllr Liam Robinson, chairman of Merseytravel's Integrated Transport Authority, said: "The Halton Curve may only be one and a half miles long but could be the key to unlocking so many more opportunities for people in our city region, North Wales and Cheshire.
"It wouldn't be a project in isolation but part of the overarching vision for connectivity with the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West linking with plans for HS2 and developments of the lines to Manchester."
At last! This is a no brainer along with the electrification of the Bidston – Wrexham Central line which needs to be incorporated into the Merseyrail network.
By Chris Griffiths
Great idea! Projects like these and the Northwich/Middlewich/Crewe spur should be front and centre of Local Plans and LEP strategies.
By Tatton Estate
It’s about time … Infistructure is the way forward , it’s about opening Liverpool up .. Great news
By Ronnie
I wish someone would take up the idea of improving the rail link from Chester to Manchester. It takes at least 90mins which is a disgrace considering you can be 3/4 of the way to London in the same time……. Forget HS2 – build some track between cities in the north where at least the locals want it.
By Tim
Without question this should happen, this short link from Frodsham to Runcorn will be so useful. I live near Frodsham and getting into Liverpool ( and Liverpool Airport) is not easy as it could be, same for people in Chester & North Wales wanting to reach Liverpool Airport. Much rather see schemes like this happen than HS2.
By Carl Spurling