Halton Curve upgrade work

UPGRADE works are to continue on the Halton Curve over two upcoming weekends including the replacement of equipment that has been in use for over a hundred years.

A Merseytravel spokeswoman said Network Rail’s Team Orange will be renewing track, recovering old signals and commissioning colour-light signals and associated equipment in the Frodsham area on February 10-11 and February 17-18.

She said a modern signalling panel will be installed in Frodsham signal box in place of the traditional mechanical levers.

Merseytravel said a more modern, advanced system will mean more reliable train services.

It is hoped that upgrading the track and enabling an hourly service between Liverpool and Chester will boost the economy by £250m. The scheme, being completed by Merseytravel, is due to cost up to £18.75m and is being funded via the Government’s devolution growth deal and the Liverpool City Region (LCR).

Merseytravel said it is being developed by the six LCR council areas including Halton, as well as Cheshire West And Chester Council, the Welsh Government and a consortium of six county authorities in North Wales.

The upgrade is part of £340m being invested in the LCR and is part of Network Rail’s Great North Rail Project – a multi-billion pound investment plan aimed at transforming train travel in the north.

Passengers travelling between Chester and Manchester have been advised to check www. nationalrail.co.uk before they travel as those services will be diverted with rail replacement bus services running between Frodsham, Helsby and Runcorn East.

Steve Rotheram, city region metro mayor, said: “I welcome news of continued progress on this vital transport link.

“One of the key elements of transforming the city region is improving connectivity, which includes ensuring that people can reach as many work and leisure opportunities as possible.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, LCR transport committee chairman, said: “It’s really great to see the continued progress on the Halton Curve scheme.

“While this does mean some short-term disruptions for passengers in the area, the long-term benefits of increased and more reliable travel options will make it worthwhile.” BIRKENHEAD LIVERPOOL