Fiddler's Ferry line

[Mark Enderby]

With the announced closure of the PS by Mar 2020, I guess it will be difficult to justify the retention of this line given the only other regular traffic is the JLR/Aluminium train to Italy. I understand coal stocks are high, but presumably there will be the need for some clearance work when the PS is finally closed.

Warrington Borough are keen to redevelop the Bridge Foot area so it's a perfect storm ☹

Cheers

Mark

 

[Rail Ranger]

I believe that Northern Powerhouse Rail are looking at the Fiddlers Ferry line as a possible alignment between Warrington and Liverpool.

 

[GreatAuk]

Yes, I'm not aware of any official announcements about using the line for NPR/HS3, but it would seem like quite a good option, and would fit in with the recently announced passive provision for a junction off the main HS2 route.

If they did end up using the line I imagine quite a lot of it would need straightening out / otherwise rebuilding though...

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

If they did end up using the line I imagine quite a lot of it would need straightening out / otherwise rebuilding though...

Yes it doglegs (sharply) through both Warrington and Widnes, so not much use for a fast route.
Industry and development hems the line in through Warrington too.
I think coal stocks at Fiddlers Ferry were being transported away after the initial rundown.
The skyline will look a lot different when the cooling towers go.

 

[HSTEd]

Well if you are going to stop all trains in Warrington it wouldn't be such a massive problem.

 

[MarkyT]

Well if you are going to stop all trains in Warrington it wouldn't be such a massive problem.

Here's a sketch I made some time ago. I think it appeared in a previous HS2 to Liverpool thread. Orange is former and existing alignment reused (rebuilt as necessary). Yellow is new alignment. Route would cross under the WCML at south end of Bank Quay station with new low level platforms.

 

[wireforever]

After Latchford high level bridge was uneconomical to repair the line was cut at Latchford by the old rugby ground and was used daily by coal trains to and from Fiddlers Ferry PS for loco run round at Latchford sidings.It could be used for a tram route/light rail to link Widnes Warrington BQ Warrington Central and Newton le Willows and link up to services on the reopened Halton Curve.Last time I walked down the footpaths Sankey Bridges old station still had a platform visible thru the weeds and Fiddlers Ferry station still has its platforms.Probably won't happen unless a good business case is put forward ?

 

[Ducatist4]

Network Rail have just advertised for new signallers for the Fiddlers Ferry box.

 

[Mark Enderby]

That's positive. Going to be an exciting job

 

[Mark Enderby]

As for the line over the ship canal, there's a rumour that a company is planning to "reclaim" the embankment on the South side of the bridge. Not sure what's so valuable but I'm sure the locals will have something to say if it's true !

Cheers

Mark

 

[Ducatist4]

They’ve also just advertised for Clipstone West box, if that lines gets three trains a week that’s called a busy week (no joke)!