Halton Curve is getting closer
CAMPAIGNERS have published an expected timetable of works for the Halton Curve train track upgrade.
North Cheshire Rail Users Group (NCRUG) said there had been a slight ‘slippage’ for the start of the project but that activists had been assured this would not affect the launch of expanded services in December 2018.
Writing in a club newsletter, Cedric Green, NCRUG secretary, said the following timetable of works is due to take place: Frodsham junction crossover in November 2017, Frodsham junction signalling in February 2018, Halton junction crossover in April 2018, Halton junction signalling in early May 2018 and Halton junction overhead line equipment in late May 2018.
Funding was first announced for scheme was first announced in 2014, when the then-Chancellor George Osborne unveiled £10.4m for the project as part of the £34m Atlantic Gateway transport infrastructure package and the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ scheme.
Despite finding £2m in savings by coinciding the project with West Coast Mainline works, the sum climbed to £17.86 because of underestimates from Network Rail.
The Liverpool City Region approved £5.67m of funding to help to plug the gap in April, 2016.
The upgraded Halton Curve will allow for two-way travel between North Wales and Liverpool Lime Street via Chester, Frodsham, John Lennon Airport and Liverpool South Parkway, providing more travel options for commuters and tourists with the bonus effect of easing congestion on the M56. Extra stations have been considered at Beechwood in Runcorn and Ditton in Widnes as part of the scheme.
Mr Green said information events are now taking place to keep residents updated.
He said: “NCRUG have had preliminary talks with Merseytravel regarding publicising the new service. ●
“They will contact us shortly regarding an event they are considering to be held on Frodsham station during the summer.
“(In the) Meantime further options for after the line opens are being worked on.
“The Merseytravel Halton Curve team have just had a meeting with the local community in Runcorn to keep them informed about work which will take place on and near the line.
“The team were not sure how they would be received as de-vegetation and fencing is involved. However, they need not have worried because the locals were delighted to hear that trains will be returning to the line in 2018.”