This blog has been concentrating for
the last few weeks on the work at Huyton, so a round-up of headlines
from the rest of the area is long overdue. My thanks go to the many
correspondents who have provided updates.
Earlestown
Apart from one mast base on the
derelict platform parallel to platform 3, and one "scrape"
just off the east end of platform 2, there is nothing visible in the
station area. The listed building planning permission was granted on
the 16th July.
The new signals here, controlled from Warrington, are
of a different design to the new ones at Huyton, and have a
side indication ("pig's ear") for drivers stopped at the
signal.
I notice that west of Earlestown the
mast bases on the south side of the line seem to be far enough back
to fit a fourth line parallel with the loop.
There is no visible sign of work on
Sankey Viaduct where the planning permission was granted a few weeks
ago.
Astley
The substation here is partially
covered in scaffolding, suggesting work is still not complete.
Thatto Heath
Work has started in the "canyon".
Manchester Victoria
Almost all the masts and portals seem
to be in place between Ordsall Lane Junction and Victoria, and the
majority have arms fitted.
Phase Two Wires
Wires have appeared at various locations on the Huyton - Wigan line, and also at Wavertree.
Chorley
The blockade for work on Chorley Tunnel
is under way. I was on the Manchester end of this line on Wednesday
and timekeeping was very poor, but whether that was due to the extra
load on the Bolton to Wigan section I cannot say.
Rolling Stock
A second 319 is rumoured to be arriving
in August.
New Timetable
The new timetable, starting 14th
December 2014, is appearing in the timetable database; obviously it's
all provisional at the moment. Around Huyton, it looks identical to
the current one, except that late evening trains are restored (As
they are in the current timetable from 8th September). Rather
surprisingly, up trains at Huyton are still shown as using platform 2
- Hasn't anyone told them?
Huyton and Roby
The TWA application for the fourth
track at Huyton was approved on 23rd July.
David Hull sent this picture of a kinky
drain on platforms 2 and 3 at Roby, obviously ready for a mast base!
