Four tracking between Leeds and Manchester via Huddersfield

[deltic]

Today was the first in a long time since I've travelled on this route and noted that it appears to have been virtually 4 tracked all the way from Leeds to the edge of Greater Manchester. Was this the case and when was the additional track lost?

I also noted the section from Guide Bridge into Manchester is only 2 track - I remember this being 4 tracked still in the early 1980s

Would there be much benefit in reinstating 4 tracking given aspirations to increase service frequency and speed on this corridor - presumably would be a lot cheaper than grandiose ideas for tunnelling new high speed links?

 

[yorksrob]

Unfortunately you'd have difficulty with the old Diggle - Stalybridge section. The other two tracks were on the other side of the valley (and there'a viaduct missing).

 

[The_Engineer]

Would there be much benefit in reinstating 4 tracking given aspirations to increase service frequency and speed on this corridor - presumably would be a lot cheaper than grandiose ideas for tunnelling new high speed links?

You could get more trains with four tracking, but not much more speed. Unless you spend a lot of money to straighten out the line. That's why new dedicated high speed routes win!

You are right, four tracks out from Piccadilly to Guide Bridge, four tracks from Stalybridge through Huddersfield to Mirfield, two tracks then to Leeds. Passenger trains then came from Victoria, four tracks to Miles Platting then two tracks on to Stalybridge. The second pair of tracks were used mainly by very slow moving, loose coupled goods trains back then. The decline of freight and faster diesel freight speeds helped eliminate the need for these "slow lines" in the late 60s. As far as I can recall, passenger trains then were an hourly fast Trans-Pennine DMU and an hourly stopper through the central Stalybridge to Huddersfield section.

 

[Bevan Price]

Ravensthorpe to Dewsbury & Farnley Junction was always just 2 tracks, but the Leeds New Line effectively provided 2 extra tracks from Spen Valley Jn to Farnley Jn via Heckmondwike, etc. (and virtually impossible to reinstate, due to M62 plus loss of numerous structures).

 

[billh]

The original four tracking scheme was started by the LNWR in the 1880s. The plan was actually Stockport to Leeds. The Guide Bridge avoiding line from Denton Junction via Hooley Hill to Dukinfield Junction, later to Stalybridge , then the Micklehurst Loop to Diggle Junction, new two track tunnel at Standedge, then through to Huddersfield as a 4 track formation. How is the mighty fallen!A single line remains twixt Stockport and Denton.

 

[edwin_m]

Unfortunately you'd have difficulty with the old Diggle - Stalybridge section. The other two tracks were on the other side of the valley (and there'a viaduct missing).

Not just one viaduct missing, at least four. There was one right at the east portal of the tunnel at Stalybridge, one at Staley & Millbrook, one at Micklefield and one at Greenfield. I think there was another one somewhere between the last two as well.

 

[yorksrob]

Not just one viaduct missing, at least four. There was one right at the east portal of the tunnel at Stalybridge, one at Staley & Millbrook, one at Micklefield and one at Greenfield. I think there was another one somewhere between the last two as well.

I was only aware of the one at Stalybridge. Seems to have been an overly comprehensive demolition job.

 

[Spartacus]

With the slow elimination of the 25mph unfitted freight train (typically in the area an Austerity on a coal train) the need for 4 tracks and duplication where it wasn’t possible declines and was eventually eliminated. Now a typical freight train can often have an average speed as high as a stopper or even semi-fast passenger, which with good acceleration will itself sometimes not be significantly slower than an express on this route. In some areas where it was 4 track the remaining lines have been slewed to improve line speed and ease maintenance too, something you wouldn’t really want to lose. I think there’s a better case for longer sections of 4 track where easily done, like through Mirfield, and loops around stations like Batley.

 

[billh]

Watched a loaded biomass train crawling through Saddleworth a couple of weeks ago, while Ashton Moss North was being fettled. I estimate the train was going about 10mph and the loco was on full gas. There was a local stopper hot on its heels. The freight was looped at Diggle to let the stopper past or perhaps a rest!
The Micklehurst Loop would have been useful then, but an expensive one.

 

[edwin_m]

THe Loop would have been good for the stopping service too - a station actually in Greenfield not half way up the hill outside it, and one for Uppermill as well. But Mossley might have ended up with its station across the valley in Micklehurst.

 

[yorksrob]

THe Loop would have been good for the stopping service too - a station actually in Greenfield not half way up the hill outside it, and one for Uppermill as well. But Mossley might have ended up with its station across the valley in Micklehurst.

Greenfield station is handy for the rugby and the pub though !