Branch Line News

3rd September 2016

The "Branch Line News" the respected organ of the Branch Line Society, advises in their issue No 1263, that ' Platform 4, at Liverpool South Parkway (LSP), is to be extended by 250 yards south to take Class 390 "Pendilinos".  This is due to Liverpool Lime Street's 2 month closure in 2018 which will result in Virgin Trains London services terminating at LSP - this work at Lime Street will allow 2 new platforms to be created - for Chester trains.

Recommended onward travel will be by "Merseyrail".  A four trains an hour shuttle will operate from LSP to Edge Hill (reverse) to serve St. Helens and Wigan.

Ultimately, the reinstated Chester trains taking the Halton Curve will use the slow lines to Allerton.

Signal Boxes at Lime Street, Allerton and Speke Junction will be demolished on transfer of signalling control to Manchester Regional Operating Centre.

Runcorn box will close but remain as it is a listed building.

This is further evidence that progress towards the re-opening of Halton Curve is on going and is good news for NCRUG.

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