Newton Le Willows

[tigerroar]

Is the short stretch of the Manchester to Liverpool line electrified there just as a diversion for the WCML?

 

[WatcherZero]

Freight only curve if your thinking of the same place I am.

 

[jasonkerner]

Sometimes get freight on it, but the ones that do go past are usually 66s and the odd 70. It is mostly a diversion if that section of the WCML fails - a month or two ago, there was a track circuit failure and they diverted a Pendo and Voyager through NLW

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Is the short stretch of the Manchester to Liverpool line electrified there just as a diversion for the WCML?

Theoretically it provides a slow line loop off the 2-track main line from Winwick Jn to Golborne Jn, between the 4-track sections (it was the original line).
But seeing as you have to cross the main lines to reach it at either end it is practically useless in that role.
Some trains do go this way (freight, ECS) to keep up the diversion options.

However, it does mean that some of the Liverpool-Manchester line is already wired.
The main 25kV electrical connection for the WCML is also on this stretch (where the two routes cross), which will also reduce the cost of the new electrification.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Yes, it's used on occasion if needed by 390 between Wigan and Warrington. Pre-Dec 2008 the first Preston-Birmingham (and beyond) service was booked that way, albeit a Voyager.

 

[lancastrian]

Is the short stretch of the Manchester to Liverpool line electrified there just as a diversion for the WCML?

Yes it is. I have traveled that route a couple of times due to track work on the direct line.

 

[tigerroar]

Thanks for the replies. I was watching my Manchester to Liverpool video125 blu-ray and wondered if NLW had electric services to elsewhere.

 

[185]

Freight only curve if your thinking of the same place I am.

I'm fairly certain the curve gets two (diesel) passenger workings a day from Wigan NW to Newton...
http://www.northernrail.org/pdfs/timetables/20120514/10.pdf
Page 3. The 0647 and 1821 Wigan Liverpools normally go via Euxton, WCML, Golborne, Parkside and Newton for the purpose of diversionary route retention. Sometimes though, it will run via St.Helens if the crew don't sign Parkside Curve.

 

[Joseph_Locke]

I've also caused Class 1s to go this way by taking a block Winwick Jn - Golborne Jn (exclusive) to do a little work in Winwick cutting. Quite odd to see the trains you've diverted crossing the end of the site at 20mph!