Ribble Steam Railway....any plans for an extension?

[The_Rail_WAy]

This is a railway I have taken a keen interest in of late, a reliteve new-comer on the preserved scene with a short running line off Preston docks.

I was wondering are there any plans to expand the lines running length, obviously the line connects to the mainline from Strand Road - it would be amazing to a service cross there and head up towards Preston Station.

However are there any plans to extend the line in the other direction? An extension to its running legnth would make it even more attractive to tourists and enthusiasts alike, those of you who know me will know about my frustrations with heritage lines with short running lengths

 

[Bertie the bus]

Where do you think it is going to go? There has never been a railway line to the west. It was just a short branch to serve the docks. As for crossing Strand Road and running on Network Rail metals - never going to happen.

 

[alexl92]

From Wikipedia (each may make up their own mind as to the validity of this source):

Future
The museum is currently located in an industrial estate, and is not well publicised. There were plans to build a station at the Strand Road Crossing, so that the railway can utilise the more popular end of the docks. Then, instead of just a 'ride' on the train, it can be used as a 'service'.

One of the more recent projects that is now planned to be underway in 2017 is the installation of a turntable at Riverside station, this will allow the operational running fleet to be turned in a bid to even out flangewear, it will also be ideal for when visiting locomotives visit the line.

A L&YR signal box was bought for the railway. It will be restored to its original condition, and put near the Preston Riverside station. Main foundation works are now complete, now awaiting a block construction wall to sit the box on to.

There have also been plans to extend the railway to the Ribble Link canal. The route would offer 1.5 miles extra to the line, although plans for this have not been finalised as major funding streams need to be found, in order to raise the huge amount of funds required for such a significant project.[4]