R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

Route characteristics
DESCRIPTION This route strategy incorporates the Manchester to Blackpool
and Southport interurban lines, and the suburban network of East and North
Manchester. The spine of the route, between Manchester and Preston, forms
part of the local passenger and long-distance service network.
Freight traffic is also carried on this route, particularly on the lines to the
east of Manchester.
Route vision
These lines serve some very busy transport corridors. Our vision is to ensure
that the railway meets the predicted growth of both passenger and freight traffic,
relieving congestion and pollution by providing a better alternative to road travel
on the A6 and M61.
Recent analysis shows that there will be a steady growth in passenger
numbers. Much of the passenger growth is expected to be outside the
commuter travel period and includes leisure and conference travel to Blackpool,
Buxton and Southport. We will contribute to FNW’s plans to deliver improved
levels of service quality by continuing to focus on improving the performance and
reliability of the infrastructure.
Route development and customer requirements
In the coming year GMPTE intends to commission a study to help formulate its
future rail investment strategy. This will incorporate a range of issues and will
produce a series of options to be developed with industry partners, to provide
for the transport needs of the area into the 21st century. We will provide
information and input to the study, and will work with the PTE to help ensure
the study’s success.
We are currently looking at the feasibility of introducing linespeed
improvements between Manchester and Blackpool. Potential capacity and
These lines are predominantly two-track railways except for the Manchester
Victoria area, which has four tracks, and on the Oldham Loop and at Dinting
where there are significant single-line sections. The maximum speeds in East
Manchester and the Oldham Loop are broadly 60mph, elsewhere 75mph.
The line between Manchester and Hadfield/Glossop is electrified.
Integrated transport has an important role to play; we are examining park-andride
opportunities in the Manchester area and are working with the Greater
Manchester PTE to provide the most effective solution for the future of the
Oldham Loop and the associated Metrolink Initiative.
Virgin CrossCountry is planning to introduce new fast tilting diesel trains
with an enhanced service on the route between Manchester and the West Coast
Main Line from 2003. We will examine the potential for linespeed improvements
to maximise benefits from the new rolling stock.
The Manchester Victoria–Hebden Bridge line forms part of our network of
Trans-Pennine routes and will be developed in conjunction with Route 8.
performance improvements are being examined at Salford Crescent, Bolton
and Lostock.
We will continue to work with industry partners and other interested
bodies in assessing the benefits of new station proposals for this route.
Feasibility works are under way to determine plans for the station
regeneration works at Manchester Victoria Station.
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