Halton Curve

[whole diary]

[grahame]

http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/news/politicians-across-runcorn-widnes-welcome-7427167?

The Halton Curve has been closed to passengers except for limited industrial use and a summer Saturday service since the 1970s.

Backers have argued that improving the line will boost train travel between North Wales and Liverpool via Runcorn and Widnes.

Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Borough Council leader ... ^The Halton Curve is identified as an enabler of change and the Chancellor has now given a vote of confidence in our ability to deliver another major transport scheme that can bring about change, create jobs and promote economic growth in a more sustainable way.

Halton MP^▸ (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) Derek Twigg said he was ^very pleased^ that the project will be funded.

It's good to see further "enablers of change" ... this one out of our area.  Locally [TransWilts] we are seeing actual positive changes that the LSTF^▸ (Local Sustainable Transport Fund) grant has enabled.   The upgrade to the Halton curve is a far bigger project, at ^10.4 million pounds and as I read it that's just the line upgrade rather than the cost of services to use it.

[grahame]

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/1875m-halton-curve-rail-relaunch-15193119

£18.75m Halton Curve rail relaunch delayed by six months because of 'lack of trains'

They were expecting five trains to be delivered... but they were late

Mike Amesbury MP^▸ (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) has slated Transport Secretary Chris Grayling after the £18.75m upgrade relaunch was delayed, but the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) has said responsibility for rolling stock lies with Transport for Wales.

The launch of the £18.75m Halton Curve upgraded rail line between Chester and Liverpool has been delayed because of 'a lack of trains'.

[onthecushions]

I think that there are plenty of trains around - Yoker is filling up with Class 314's and more succulent units may follow.

What is lacking is the wires to feed them. I think that there are (to be) c3 trains per hour each way between Chester and Liverpool/Manchester - total distance c56 miles of which only 19 lack the wires. There is juice available from Frodsham via Rivington Road FS.

Agreed the North Wales services would involve a change but they could be doubled in capacity as a result until the 769's appear.....

The City Mayors and WG should follow through with their plans not leave them half baked as here.

OTC