North West and Central Route Specification

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Delivering a better railway for a better Britain Route Specifications 2021 North West and Central (NW&C) region

8 Contents July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 02

•Route H: Cross-Pennine, Yorkshire & Humber and North West (West section) 3 Route M: West Midlands and Chilterns 96 Route N: West Coast Main Line 146 Route O: Merseyrail 196 Glossary 200 Route H: Cross-Pennine, July 2021 Network Rail –Route Specifications: North West and Central 03 Yorkshire & Humber and North West (North West section)

SRS H.05 North Transpennine: Leeds to Guide Bridge 4 SRS H.41 Windermere Branch 70 SRS H.10 Manchester Victoria to Mirfield (via Rochdale) 7 SRS H.42 Carnforth to Long Preston 73 and to Stalybridge SRS H.43 Morecambe and Heysham Port Branch 76 SRS H.17 South Transpennine: Dore to Hazel Grove 10 SRS H.44 Roses Line and Branches (including Preston to 79 SRS H.22 Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe 13 Ormskirk and Blackburn to Hellifield SRS H.23 Manchester Piccadilly to Deansgate 16 SRS H.45 Chester and Ellesmere Port to Warrington Bank 82 SRS H.24 Deansgate to Liverpool South Parkway 19 Quay SRS H.25 Liverpool Lime Street to Liverpool South Parkway 22 SRS H.46 Blackpool South Branch 85 SRS H.26 North Transpennine: Manchester Piccadilly to 25 SRS H.98 Freight Trunk Routes and H.99 Other Freight 88 Guide Bridge Routes SRS H.27 Deansgate to Euxton Junction 28 SRS H.28 Ashburys and Hyde North to New Mills Central 31 and Rose Hill SRS H.29 Guide Bridge to Glossop and Hadfield 34 SRS H.30 Guide Bridge to Chester (via Stockport) 37 SRS H.31 Manchester Airport to Wilmslow and Slade Lane 40 Junction SRS H.32 Blackpool North Branch 43 SRS H.33 Edge Hill to Manchester Victoria (via Earlestown) 46 and Wigan SRS H.34 Southport and Kirkby to Wigan Wallgate 49 SRS H.35 Wigan Wallgate to Manchester Victoria 52 SRS H.36 Buxton Branch 55 SRS H.37 Bolton to Blackburn 58 SRS H.38 Hazel Grove to Edgeley Junction 61 SRS H.39 Cumbrian Coast 63 SRS H.40 Settle and Carlisle Line 67 SRS H.05 North July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 04 Transpennine: Leeds to Guide Bridge Geographic Map Route specification description

TJC3 B I Strategic Route Section B L E H S 1 H.05 B SRS H.05 links Greater Manchester and Leeds via Huddersfield, and F C

J G LBE1 HUL4 Leeds P E covers both Eastern region and the North West and Central region, R M 3 I2L CF G BE L N H 5 U DatFe:HJRune 2010 E Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team E-Mail: [email protected] I2 Cottingley crossing the boundary west of Standedge Tunnel. The 36 mile

OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. I2 B Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 F O HR O 6 1 B L Morley double track route isn’t electrified and serves local, inter-regional, R M M D C M E O M W N M 2 Knottingley

2 J

P Batley C CP commuter and freight markets. I2 M1

D R K D G B O 1 I2 Dewsbury W G L A M 2 W VN L W T 2 C B

B I2 I2 The route has 14 stations (excluding Leeds) with the busiest* being I2 C Ravensthorpe S H O P C

Mirfield S H I2 Deighton C 2 Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Stalybridge stations. J

D M

O H Huddersfield L S E 1

2 P I2 H

M B PR3 Slaithwaite S K I2 M Stalybridge Junction to the west of the station is where the route

CP C 3 R I2 P L I1 V Marsden C M 1 1 B K divides towards either Manchester Victoria or Manchester M

D2 PE Piccadilly. Other key junctions include Guide Bridge West Junction J2

M I2 S MV 2 E R S 1 Greenfield P H P ED B M 1 for routes from Manchester Piccadilly towards Glossop and W BS1 I2 Mossley S MVN1 M J A 1 VM MVL1 M O J Hadfield; Thornhill LNW Junction for routes towards York; and M S 1 2 S CN L AJ A O Legend D W SE J I2 SKL P

P D OL E C I2 1 I2 Strategic Route Section : H.05 M O Stalybridge

J W

S M Holbeck Junction for routes towards Bradford Interchange. Strategic Route : H 3 Manchester Piccadilly Guide Bridge I C T A J C T T A S J C 2 MA 2 N G 3 H DW Rail Network HAJ 2 I2 Major / Key Stations H

Y E C T H M Y T R CD W M A I2 T 1 Stations P C S R The route incorporates some major viaducts at Dewsbury, Batley, 1 2 Y 2 H M H C R D 1 Coast M J A C C T 3 2 C J I2 T

H R Milne and Huddersfield. I2 The route carries a number of freight services including aggregates, domestic waste and biomass, with a strategic freight site at Hillhouse. As part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, Network Rail is currently delivering a number of interventions across this route to deliver a high-performing, reliable railway with greater capacity and faster journeys between Manchester and York via Huddersfield. For more information, please see: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/ running-the-railway/railway-upgrade-plan/key-projects/ transpennine-route-upgrade/ .

Busiest* refers to the busiest station based on ORR figures for estimation of station usage 2018/19. SRS H.05 North Transpennine: Leeds to Guide July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 05 Bridge

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Doncaster, Marshgate Junction to Neville Hill East Junction (in part) Diggle Junction to Copley Hill East Junction Miles Platting Junction to Marsden (in part) Stalybridge to Guide Bridge West Junction Section start Leeds, west of Leeds station Section end Guide Bridge Route availability† RA8, RA9 Gauge† W6, W7, W8, W9 W10, W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 80 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL for Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge committed under TRU programme, remainder of route dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 4 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Leeds to Guide Bridge 42 minutes (approximate time as no Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time direct passenger service) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Leeds to Guide Bridge 78 minutes (change at Manchester Piccadilly) Leeds to Stalybridge 36 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Leeds to Stalybridge 5 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.05 North Transpennine: Leeds to Guide July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 06 Bridge

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Transpennine Route Upgrade Increased capacity and improved line SAJ, MVL3, CP6 To deliver improved performance, In delivery speed. MVL4, MDL1 capacity and journey time between Manchester and York. SRS H.10 Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 07 Victoria to Mirfield (via

Rochdale) and to Stalybridge I2 Geographic Map Route specification description

I2 Strategic Route Section FH H.10 R6 Hebden Bridge B SRS H.10 provides access from Manchester Victoria to Mirfield and I2 R Mytholmroyd M I2 Stalybridge via two routes. Todmorden Date: June 2010 I2 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team Sowerby Bridge E-Mail: [email protected] I2

D Brighouse R I2 OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map Walsden I2 G with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. B The first of these connects central Manchester via Rochdale Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 B W M V L4 M V towards Mirfield. The route is mostly two track and not electrified, N I2 2 I2 Deighton Mirfield and predominantly carries passenger services with occasional Littleborough I2 Smithy Bridge I2 freight services. Hall Royd Junction at Todmorden enables

M connections via the Todmorden Curve onwards towards Burnley. Rochdale PR I2 3

Castleton (Greater Manchester) PEH There are 14 stations on the route with Manchester Victoria being I2 3 CPI2 L V M I2 the major station; other busy stations include Rochdale and Hebden Bridge. From this route, Milner Royd Junction provides routes Mills Hill I2 towards Halifax; Bradley Wood and Heaton Lodge Junctions from M VE 1 Moston I2 where routes head towards Huddersfield; and from Mirfield routes W BS1 Legend 2 MPR MVN1 Strategic Route Section : H.10 head towards York and Leeds. The Todmorden Curve, built in 2018, A Ashton-under-Lyne VM 1 MVL1 M Strategic Route : H Manchester Victoria M A J P I2 I2 P 2 SAJ Rail Network D O I2 SE J SC OL W D provided a new junction to connect the Calder Valley with East N Manchester Piccadilly G I2 C P B Major / Key Stations OL M P HAJ Stalybridge C I2 P A2 N 1 2 I2 R Stations M T S D Y T N J C A H A H M 2 2 Coast Lancashire. The second route connects Stalybridge to Manchester Victoria. The route is approximately nine miles long, with mostly two track formation and is partly electrified. There are four stations on the route with the busiest* being Manchester Victoria. The route is predominantly a passenger route with occasional freight services, and serves inter-regional and commuter markets. The route has key junctions at Miles Platting Junction, connecting from Stalybridge towards Victoria; and then at Deal Street Junction from Victoria towards the Ordsall Chord or Bolton. The Ordsall Chord, built in 2018, enables services from Manchester Victoria towards Manchester Piccadilly via Deansgate. SRS H.10 Manchester Victoria to Mirfield July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 08 (via Rochdale) and to Stalybridge

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Miles Platting Junction to Marsden (in part) Manchester Victoria West Junction to Hebden Bridge (in part) Hall Royd Junction to Skelton Junction (in part) Section start Manchester Victoria Section end Mirfield / Stalybridge Route availability† RA8, RA9 Gauge† W6, W7, W8 W8 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL within Manchester Victoria station 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 2 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Manchester Victoria to Mirfield (via Rochdale) 61 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge 15 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Manchester Victoria to Mirfield (via Rochdale) 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.10 Manchester Victoria to Mirfield July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 09 (via Rochdale) and to Stalybridge

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Manchester and North West To deliver a better performing and more To support continued growth in rail Phased approach - some in Transformation Programme resilient network that also meets the usage on the corridors in and out of design, some in development passenger capacity requirements until Manchester. 2030. SRS H.17 South July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 10 Transpennine: Dore to Hazel Grove Geographic Map Route specification description 2 R 2 P 3 N M V L M Strategic Route SecV tion

M B A H.17 H SRS H.17 is an interurban route from Dore, south of Sheffield, S MVL1 M J 2 SAJ O S J KL D G B through the Hope Valley to Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester. The I2 HAJ N

Date: June 2010 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team E-Mail: [email protected] route is 30 miles long, almost completely double track but not T TA S 2 N H G OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map DW with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 2 electrified, and serves local, inter-regional, commuter and freight H

Y TT R C A 1 1 M H P Y 2 R markets. There is tourist traffic throughout the year with popular 2 M A C C 3 J 2 T Stockport C J T H I2 R Y walking destinations located on the route. M E EJN G A M W B 1 E MAC3 P J M C Sheffield I2HG I2 C There are ten stations on the route with Hazel Grove being the Hazel Grove N MC1 New Mills Central Edale I2 I2 I2

1 C busiest* followed by New Mills Central, New Mills Newtown and S J MA Hope (Derbyshire) T New Mills Newtown I2 Chinley Bamford I2 I2 Dore & Totley.

H C

Y C Hathersage Dore

C I2 M I2 TJ Grindleford C1

C The route is linked towards central Manchester via Hazel Grove East N I2 B1 Junction and Hazel Grove High Level Junction and Chester (via Stockport) on a single track bi-directional route from Northenden 4 Buxton B N

I2C CNB3 Legend Junction.

Strategic Route Section : H.17

Strategic Route : H P

S Rail Network The route is a key freight route with the line carrying aggregates 1 B U D X M I2 Major / Key Stations C I2 Stations traffic from the Peak District quarries, which joins the route at Coast Chinley via Chinley South Junction, and traffic to and from Hope Cement Works, which serves terminals across the country. SRS H.17 South Transpennine: Dore to Hazel July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 11 Grove

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Dore West Junction to Edgeley Junction No.1 (Hope Valley lines) (in part) Section start Dore Section end Hazel Grove Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6, W7 W6-8 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Absolute Block Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 90 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Hazel Grove to Dore 30 minutes (fast) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Chinley to Dore 36 minutes (slow) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Hazel Grove to Dore 11 trains per day Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Chinley to Dore 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.17 South Transpennine: Dore to Hazel July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 12 Grove

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Hope Valley Capacity MAS To provide additional capacity on the In design Hope Valley line. SRS H.22 Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 13 Piccadilly to Crewe

Route specification description Geographic MapJ 0 * 9( 03

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:./ 09 6WUDWHJLF5RXWH6HFWLRQ :%6 5 ,0 * 03 SRS H.22 links Crewe with Manchester city centre via Wilmslow and + &*- 6%+ / :./ 09 / 09 2/ Stockport. The line is 30 miles long, fully electrified, and consists of a 6&1 +2% : 0DQFKHVWHU3LFFDGLOO\ &2/ 65 * 'DWH -XQH * $UGZLFN 0DS3URGXFHG%\ $VVHW,QIRUPDWLRQ 0DSSLQJ' 7HDP ( 3- '6 +16 5< mixture of two track, four track and six track sections. The route / (0DLO $VVHW,QIRUPDWLRQ 0DSSLQJ6+7HDP#1HWZRUN5DLOFRXN + *' 6 /HYHQVKXOPH : &*- * +$- 26,QIRUPDWLRQUHSURGXFHGIURPWKH2UGQDQFH6XUYH\0DS 6%+ &*- serves long distance, inter-regional, local, commuter, and freight ZLWKSHUPLVVLRQRIWKHFRQWUROOHURI+HU0DMHVW\¶V6WDWLRQHU\2IILFH &URZQ&RS\ULJKW/LFHQFH1R +HDWRQ&KDSHO * &0 <

RRO/LPH6WUHHW 3 0 67 &' markets; and, due to being bi-directionally signalled between :-3 * 6WRFNSRUW (-1 :DUULQJWRQ%DQN4XD\ %( * - 77 * $ Sandbach and Wilmslow, offers a high level of flexibility to mitigate :-/ 0$- :2$ - 10 6' 0,$ &KHDGOH+XOPH & &*- :-/ 6 0$ * disruption during planned or unplanned works. % 5' +DQGIRUWK &

* &< )- :-/ + :LOPVORZ &1% There are 13 stations on the route, the busiest* being Manchester * $OGHUOH\(GJH ++- Piccadilly which, together with the key stations of Stockport, 0&

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2 & &KHOIRUG * %X[WRQ &1% +&1 +1 &+: Wilmslow and Crewe, serves as an interchange. The other stations &1%

&55 &'0 on the route serve smaller conurbations and are primarily only 61 % * 8 ' ; - 3 *RRVWUH\ 6 &KHVWHU &0 &0 &9 * * served by ‘slow’ trains for commuter markets. +ROPHV&KDSHO The route connects to the West Coast Main Line at Crewe North

&*- * 6DQGEDFK Junction. Slade Lane Junction provides access to Manchester /HJHQG

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// Airport, with Edgeley Junction No. 1 linking Stockport with Hazel .&6 6WUDWHJLF5RXWH+ , * &UHZH 6&4 / 5DLO1HWZRUN %+

&9 , Grove, and with Edgeley Junction No. 2 being the link between * 0DMRU.H\6WDWLRQV /( & &0 * 6WDWLRQV 4 6& & ' 6< 4 6& &RDVW Stockport and Chester. There is a large rolling stock depot at Longsight, one mile south of Manchester Piccadilly. The Edgeley area is signalled by two signal boxes using Absolute Block rather than the Track Circuit Block seen on the rest of the route. SRS H.22 Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 14

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Crewe North Junction to Manchester Piccadilly Section start Manchester Piccadilly Section end Crewe North Junction, on the approach to Crewe station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W9, W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic One section of Absolute Block in Stockport area Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 110 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe 35 minutes (fast) 1 hour (slow) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport 7 minutes (fast) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe 2 tph (fast) 1 tph (slow) Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport 11 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.22 Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 15

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Crewe Hub Interventions to support the delivery of In development HS2 Manchester and North West To deliver a better performing and more To support continued growth in rail Phased approach - some in Transformation Programme resilient network that also meets the usage on the corridors in and out of design, some in development passenger capacity requirements until Manchester. 2030. SRS H.23 Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 16 Piccadilly to Deansgate

Geographic Map Route specification description Strategic Route Section

2 H.23 M N SRS H.23 is known as the ‘Castlefield Corridor’ and links Manchester V V M E 1 MPR2

MVN1 Piccadilly with Manchester Oxford Road and Deansgate, the three R1 MP Date: June 2010 P R Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team B E-Mail: [email protected] stations on the route. It is a key route built on viaducts through W M B VL S 1 OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map 1 with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. G PPP2 M R PPP1 Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 MV O central Manchester; serving long distance, inter-regional, commuter

L and local traffic; with freight traffic to and from Trafford Park. Trains SCN W using this route travel onwards to/from Scotland, Liverpool, North DSE 1 A P Manchester Oxford Road P Manchester Piccadilly I2 Wales, Yorkshire via Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport and Deansgate L CO PP I2 I2 A2 PPA3 the East Midlands to Norwich. HAJ All passenger services call at Manchester Piccadilly, the busiest* station, with most also calling at Manchester Oxford Road. The route is one mile long, is two track except in Manchester Oxford AJ M T TA 2 Road station, and is electrified.

Legend

Strategic Route Section : H.23 Strategic Route : H 1

Y M T D S Rail Network C

I2C Major / Key Stations S M N TT P H A I22 Stations 1 Coast SRS H.23 Manchester Piccadilly to Deansgate July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 17

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Manchester Piccadilly East Junction to Euxton Junction (in part) Section start Manchester Piccadilly (platforms 13/14) Section end Deansgate Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W10, W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic There are proposals in the Manchester and North West Management System (ERTMS). Transformation Programme for resignalling of the Castlefield Corridor. Predominant Linespeed† 35 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 7 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 13 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.23 Manchester Piccadilly to Deansgate July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 18

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Manchester and North West To deliver a better performing and more COL To support continued growth in rail Phased approach - some in Transformation Programme resilient network that also meets the usage on the corridors in and out of design, some in development passenger capacity requirements until Manchester. 2030 Manchester Oxford Road station Re-design and expansion of the gateline, COL 2023 To reduce overcrowding and congestion DfT SOEF removal and reolcation of redundant in Manchester Oxford Road station, infrastructure, and associated building particularly at the gateline and works concourse area SRS H.24 Deansgate to July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 19 Liverpool South Parkway

Geographic Map Route specification description SRS H.24 between Deansgate in central Manchester and Liverpool South Parkway is an important commuter route between Manchester and Liverpool, also serving Widnes, Warrington and suburbs of east Liverpool and west Manchester. This route is also well known locally as the CLC (Cheshire Lines’ Committee) corridor. The route is 33 miles long consisting of two tracks; electrification extends from Deansgate only as far as Trafford Park freight terminal. The two main junctions are Hunts Cross West and Castlefield. There are 18 stations on the route with the busiest* being Warrington Central, Liverpool South Parkway and Hunts Cross, with the latter two both serving as an interchange onto the Merseyrail network. The newest station, Warrington West, is located between Warrington Central and Sankey. There is a rolling stock depot at Allerton, near Liverpool South Parkway; and Trafford Park West Junction on the route provides access to and from Trafford Park freight terminal. SRS H.24 Deansgate to Liverpool South July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 20 Parkway

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Castlefield Junction to Allerton Junction (Cheshire Lines Committee) Section start Castlefield Junction, on approach to Deansgate station Section end Allerton Junction, on approach to Liverpool South Parkway station Route availability† RA7, RA8 Gauge† W8, W9 (W10 to Trafford Park freight terminal) Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Absolute Block from Glazebrook East Junction to Padgate Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 85 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL from Castlefield Junction to Trafford Park West 25kV OHL throughout dependent on industry aspirations Junction and into the Trafford Park freight terminal; also from Hunts Cross West Junction to Allerton Junction.

750V DC from Hunts Cross to Hunts Cross West Junction.

Remainder of SRS not electrified. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 36 minutes (fast) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time 59 minutes (slow) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 4 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.24 Deansgate to Liverpool South July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 21 Parkway

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Trafford Park OLE Extension Extension of the OLE along the Reception MAJ 2021 This will allow an increased amount of DfT SOEF Road into Freightliner’s terminal at electrically hauled freight trains to Trafford Park (a key rail freight operate into the depot distribution site) SRS H.25 Liverpool Lime July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 22

Street to LiverpoolI2 South Parkway

Geographic Map RouteI2 specification description

WBS Strategic Route Section 3 Wigan North Western H.25 WBS1 SRS H.25 covers a six mile route from the high level station at I2 WBS2 L1 2 K O W J E S TW Liverpool Lime Street to Liverpool South Parkway via Edge Hill. The H I X M

S G Date: June 2010 3 3 H Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team B E-Mail: [email protected] S C route serves long-distance, inter-regional, local, commuter and G 2 J L 5 WK OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. freight markets. The section between Edge Hill station and Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 B2 HO

NMB JK Liverpool Lime Street Station has a steep gradient situated in a

W S N R M D

M J DSE 2 G H N series of cuttings and tunnels. S B EEE 4 C S J T2 S W 1 H G E O S C J 1 E S

E S

S C N The electrified route is mostly a four track line, apart from one X T H 1 H1 Liverpool Lime Street SB WK3 C C W section near Wavertree Junction where two lines diverge towards MIR J G CW I21 L4 Edge Hill K CC J 2 S 2 I2 3 2 IR M W

J L 3 Huyton and central Manchester via the Chat Moss line.

C Mossley Hill I2 C S I2 1 MAJ H West Allerton Warrington Bank Quay XS I2 1 2 DJ 2 There are five stations on the route with Liverpool Lime Street being S J Liverpool South Parkway G I2 C SCR WJL2

3 B the busiest* as well as being an interchange for the Merseyrail D

W B D R network, as is Liverpool South Parkway.

R R F 2 J W H JL1 There is a maintenance depot at Edge Hill, and sidings at Wapping Legend Strategic Route Section : H.25 and Tuebrook which are required for freight services to reverse for HHJ Strategic Route : H

C Rail Network N access to and from the Port of Liverpool via Bootle Branch Junction. H M 3 1 W I2 Major / Key Stations C W C G H J C C 1 R I2 Stations R HC 1 N Coast M2 CD

I2 SRS H.25 Liverpool Lime Street to Liverpool July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 23 South Parkway

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Weaver Junction to Liverpool Lime Street (in part) Section start Liverpool Lime Street high level station Section end Liverpool South Parkway Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6, W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 80 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 11 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 8 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.25 Liverpool Lime Street to Liverpool July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 24 South Parkway

3 Bolton L V I2 Strategic Route Section M H.26 SRS H.26 is a two track section of route in south-east Manchester

M running from Guide Bridge to Ardwick Junction, on the approach to V E 1

Date: June 2010 Asset Information & Mapping Team 2 Map Produced By: N Manchester Piccadilly.

E-Mail: [email protected] V

M M PR3

OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 The route is five miles long, electrified, and serves inter-regional,

W local, commuter and freight markets, acting as a section on the BS1

2 MPR route from Manchester via Ardwick Junction towards Hull via Guide MVN1

BR G P R O MVL1 AM VM 1 J Bridge West Junction with links towards Huddersfield and Leeds. M A P O P SCN L W 2 MVL2 O E J There is a further junction at Guide Bridge station used by freight DS Manchester Piccadilly D J A L S CO I2 PP HAJ A2 I2 I2 I2 I2 I2 Guide Bridge services for onwards travel towards Stockport. Ardwick Fairfield Ashburys Gorton

T S T D A N S There are five stations on the route with the busiest* in terms of J 2 H MA D G DW passenger usage being Guide Bridge. 2

R T C TA M 1 MC P G 1 2 H Between Ardwick and Ashburys stations there is Ardwick Traction Y

Y R T

S 1 M D Maintenance Depot; part of the depot is electrified for maintenance C Stockport N M I2 H SJD C R WJP1 2 M and stabling purposes. Between Ashburys and Gorton stations, EJN Legend

Strategic Route Section : H.26 B E Tarmac has an asphalt plant and Breedon Group has an aggregates J

1 Strategic Route : H P M C H Rail Network GC depot. I2 Major / Key Stations N C M MC1 D I2 MIA C Stations

M H SM 2 A Coast SRS H.26 North Transpennine: Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 26 Piccadilly to Guide Bridge

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Hadfield to Ardwick Junction (in part) Section start Ardwick Junction, on the approach to Manchester Piccadilly Section end Guide Bridge West Junction, east of Guide Bridge station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6, W9 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 4 minutes (fast) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time 12 minutes (slow) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 6 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.26 North Transpennine: Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 27 Piccadilly to Guide Bridge

Geographic Map Route specification description

Leyland Darwen SRS H.27 is a route between Deansgate station, in the centre of

B / B Manchester, and Euxton Junction which provides access onto the

B B B Contains Ordnance Survey data © MVE2 Buckshaw Parkway Crown copyright and database right 2019. MVE2 Licence No: 0100040692 West Coast Main Line towards Preston. The route is 26 miles long [email protected] Euxton Balshaw Lane with two tracks and is electrified. It serves inter-regional, commuter, Chorley SRS H27

CLIENT: NETWORK OPERATIONS local and freight markets. This is an important commuting route for

JOB NO.: 11047.100

SCALE: 1:100,000 @ A3 C Manchester as well as a diversionary route for the West Coast Main G

J 5 USE TYPE: DATE: [OFFICIAL] 13/05/2019

C G QA BY: PRODUCED BY: J VERSION: 5 03 SD AS Line during planned and unplanned disruption. Adlington (Lancashire) Bromley Cross LLEEGGEENNDD Rail Network Stations Hall I' Th' Wood Strategic Route Section H The key junctions on the route include Castlefield Junction, which Blackrod Strategic Route Section H27 CPI2 provides access from this route towards Liverpool via Trafford Park; Horwich Parkway

M V E Lostock Parkway 2 Bolton

M V E and Ordsall Lane Junction for access towards Manchester Victoria 1

W BS3 Gathurst N LC N Moses Gate LC from Deansgate over the Ordsall Chord, towards Merseyside via

W B Farnworth S3 W BS3 Wigan Wallgate CG Kearsley J5 Wigan North Western Hindley 1 BS2 L W Patricroft and this route towards Bolton. There is a further set of C K G WB Ince Daisy Hill W J S2 5

C L1 G K J W 5 C Hag Fold G Orrell W Pemberton J KL2 WKL2 5 Atherton C G junctions at Windsor Bridge (North and South Junctions) that allow J M 5 VE W 1 M ET BS1 VE W W 1 BS1 Clifton

IM G Walkden Moorside access from Salford Crescent towards Manchester Victoria and

G M

J V 5 E 1 Wigan and Southport; and Lostock Junction towards Bolton and Bryn M R1 V MP E R1 1 MP

C P G P M J VM B VL 5 M 1 VM H M O 1 A Garswood B P 2 Manchester Victoria P Wigan. Salford Crescent B2 Eccles HO DSE S H3 CN 1 SB Salford Central A

H3 O P D P SB L C W MVE1 O

OLW CO DSE L C Manchester Piccadilly OL CM J Deansgate P MA 2 Ardwick Corporate GIS data is subject to frequent updates therefore Manchester Oxford Rd any data exported from the corporate GIS system is a static DSE There are 12 stations on the route with the busiest* being Bolton LM D representation of the data at the time of export, 8 and should be treated as such. No warranty or guarantee 4 C J Manchester Utd Fc Ground M G AJ P is given as to the absolute accuracy or completeness C M 2 4 N 0 1.25 2.5 5 Miles J of this information. Network Rail disclaims any responsibility G G J C for any loss, damage or inconvenience howsoever caused Trafford Park and Salford Crescent, with two freight terminals between Clifton Newton Le Willows arising out of or as a consequence of reliance on this Earlestown Humphrey Park EE information in any context. E station and Salford Crescent station being used by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK and Tarmac Agecroft. SRS H.27 Deansgate to Euxton Junction July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 29

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Manchester Piccadilly East Junction to Euxton Junction Section start Deansgate station Section end Euxton Junction, on the approach to Preston station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W9 to Bolton West Junction W6 from Bolton West Junction to Euxton Junction Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 100 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 30 minutes (fast) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time 42 minutes (slow) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 3 tph along the whole route, supported by additional services Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) that run on part of the SRS aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.27 Deansgate to Euxton Junction July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 30

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Manchester and North West Introduction of 3rd platform at Salford MVE1 In design Transformation Programme Crescent SRS H.28 Ashburys and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 31 Hyde North to New Mills Central and Rose Hill Geographic Map Route specification description SRS H.28 is divided into three sections. The main route between Ashburys and New Mills South Junction is two track and is a route between Manchester Piccadilly via Ashburys East Junction to Sheffield via New Mills South Junction. A further two track line runs from Romiley Junction on the main route to Hyde Junction near Hyde North station, with a route for services from the south end towards Hyde. A further branch line runs from Marple Wharf Junction towards Rose Hill Marple station on a single line. The route as a whole is not electrified and serves inter-regional, local, commuter and freight markets. The route has 13 stations (excluding Ashburys) with the busiest* stations being Marple and Romiley. There are freight facilities at Bredbury for SUEZ Recovery and Recycling UK and Tarmac which use this route to access the facilities via a branch line at Woodley Junction. SRS H.28 Ashburys and Hyde North to New July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 32 Mills Central and Rose Hill

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description New Mills South Junction to Ashburys East Junction Marple Wharf Junction to Rose Hill Romiley Junction to Hyde Junction Section start Ashburys, Hyde North Section end New Mills Central, Rose Hill Route availability† RA7 Romiley Junction to Ashburys East Junction RA8 Gauge† W6, W7 Signals† Mostly Track Circuit Block, some Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Ashburys to Romiley 16 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Hyde North to Romiley 9 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Romiley to New Mills South 9 minutes Romiley to Rose Hill Marple 6 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Ashburys to Romiley 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Hyde North to Romiley 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. Romiley to New Mills South 2 tph Romiley to Rose Hill Marple 2 tph Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly stopping at Romiley 1 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.28 Ashburys and Hyde North to New July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 33 Mills Central and Rose Hill

Geographic Map Route specification description SRS H.29 is a route between Guide Bridge towards Dinting and onwards to Glossop and Hadfield. The route between Guide Bridge and Dinting is two track and is electrified. The route then splits to two single electrified lines: one towards Glossop via Dinting South Junction, and the other towards Hadfield via Dinting East Junction. These two routes are linked by a single line chord between Dinting East and Dinting South Junctions to allow direct access between Hadfield and Glossop. The main route is nine miles long and each single section is a further mile. It serves commuter and local markets for access to and from Manchester city centre via Guide Bridge West Junction. There are eight stations on the route (excluding Guide Bridge), with Glossop being the busiest* in terms of passenger usage. SRS H.29 Guide Bridge to Glossop and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 35 Hadfield

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Hadfield to Ardwick Junction Dinting South Junction to Dinting East Junction Glossop to Dinting West Junction Section start Guide Bridge Section end Glossop / Hadfield Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 W9 from Hyde Junction to Ardwick Junction Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block, Token Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 34 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 2 tph (3 tph peak) Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements.

No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.29 Guide Bridge to Glossop and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 36 Hadfield

Geographic MapI2 Route specification description

I M M G W V 2 3 BS E R H 1 1 P B 2 C N M Strategic Route Section S V SRS H.30 is a predominantly two track, non-electrified route of 45 2 G M KL J W 5 H.30 M 3 MV MVL1 L 2 O V B SC M HO N L miles in length. The route is split into two parts near Stockport W Manchester Piccadilly COL I2 1 I2 S

R J

D SE D Guide Bridge station. The route serves mainly local, commuter and freight P Date: May 2011 JL D TT Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team S EE 4 A I2 H E J 2 S E-Mail: N G S G D 1 H W C Denton HAJ markets to and from towns in Cheshire such as Northwich and OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map I2 with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. C C G M J Reddish South P 1 3 Y H 2 Liverpool Lime Street SB 1 T Knutsford. S T M TA I2 D 1 C Stockport WJP1 I2 H Warrington Bank Quay EJN R Navigation Road I2 M I2 B E I21 I2 J A Altrincham Gatley There are 15 stations on the route (excluding Stockport and Guide O H I2 GC AJ W W M 2 2 Hale M NM J DJ J M C C1 L S G IA H 3 C Bridge stations) with Knutsford and Altrincham being the two WJL2 Ashley I2 S MA B D busiest* stations. Navigation Road and Altrincham stations provide R Mobberley

I2 Y

C F J W H JL1 Knutsford an interchange for Manchester Metrolink tram services that also CN Plumley I2 B1 use Network Rail infrastructure on this route. The track between Lostock Gralam H HJ Northwich I2 1 M W W 4 Navigation Road station and Deansgate Junction reduces to single H I2 C C Greenbank B Buxton I2 N CN I2C B Cuddington B 3 Mouldsworth I2 U X line due to Metrolink tram services running parallel to the railway. Delamere I2

C I2 R CDM2 I2 R There are also single line sections between Mouldsworth and Mickle 1 S 1 N D J M

C S Chester V Trafford Junction as well as at Northenden. C I2 There are a few key junctions on the route including Heaton Norris Legend

Strategic Route Section : H.30 C Junction linking the northern leg of the route with routes to G J Strategic Route : H 1 1 P M Rail Network C Stockport and Crewe. Edgeley No.2 Junction links the southern leg I2 Major / Key Stations CN H1 I2 Stations I H with Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly. B CS1 Coast I2Crewe K SCQ3 Both sections of the route are used by freight services which include I2 aggregates from the Peak District to Cheshire and beyond, and biomass running from Liverpool to Drax via the link between the West Coast Main Line and H.30 Greenbank to Cuddington. The line also functions for freight services to avoid central Manchester. There are some important freight facilities along the route such as Lostock Works and Northenden Longley Lane for Greater Manchester Waste plc. SRS H.30 Guide Bridge to Chester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 38 (via Stockport)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Heaton Norris Junction to Guide Bridge Station Junction Crewe North Junction to Manchester Piccadilly (in part) Edgeley No.2 Junction to Mickle Trafford Chester East Junction to Acton Grange Junction (in part) Section start Guide Bridge Station junction Section end Chester station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6, W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 10 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Stockport to Chester 78 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Manchester to Chester 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. Weekly ‘parliamentary’ service between Stalybridge and Stockport calling at Reddish South and Denton No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.30 Guide Bridge to Chester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 39 (via Stockport)

SladeI2 Lane Junction

Wigan North WGeographicestern Map Route specification description

2 N

W V Strategic Route SBSe1 ction M

M V SRS H.31 links Manchester Piccadilly and the city centre to H.31 2 E R 1 P M

MVN1 Manchester Airport via the suburban areas of south Manchester.

MVL1 A 3 VM 1 M L Date: June 2010 M A J V P Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team SC O P 2 M N L O The line is ten miles long, electrified, and consists of two track L2 E-Mail: [email protected] W J MV D Manchester Piccadilly J L A CO I2 HAJ S OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map formation. The route serves long-distance, inter-regional, local, with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 DSE

T T S commuter and freight services and provides a key link between A 2 N H G DW

Mauldeth Road 2 Manchester International Airport and the wider network. H I2 Y TT R C A1 MC Burnage M G P AJ I2 2 R M Y H 1 1 There are eight stations, with the busiest* being Manchester M D East Didsbury C I2 N Stockport MC2 S I2 H JD Y R WJP1 T M Airport. Wilmslow is another key station, providing an interchange S EJN I2 Warrington Bank Quay B Gatley EJ from the main line to Stockport and the airport. H Heald Green GC N I2 MC1 I2 MIA The route has three key junctions. Wilmslow South Junction is the Manchester Airport

I2 AS M southern point of the route connecting with the mainline between Styal

C H

Y C Stockport and Crewe. Slade Lane Junction forms the northern point C I2 M Wilmslow of the route connecting this route with other routes towards

1 C P NB M 1 C Manchester. Heald Green North and South Junctions connect the 2 M D C Legend Strategic Route Section : H.31 branch line to Manchester Airport via a 1.4 mile stretch of track. Strategic Route : H Rail Network C Buxton

O M N N S D I2 I2 H Major / Key Stations

1 N S N CNB J I2 Stations B 3 C U G X J1 Coast SRS H.31 Manchester Airport to Wilmslow and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 41 Slade Lane Junction

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Manchester Airport to Heald Green North Junction Heald Green South Junction to Heald Green West Junction Wilmslow to Slade Lane Junction (Styal lines) Section start Manchester Airport station Section end Wilmslow Junction/Slade Lane Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W10 except Manchester Airport to Heald Green North Junction and also Heald Green South Junction to Heald Green West Junction, which are W6 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 75 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Slade Lane Junction to Manchester Airport 18 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Wilmslow to Manchester Airport 17 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Slade Lane Junction to Manchester Airport 8 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Wilmslow to Manchester Airport 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.31 Manchester Airport to Wilmslow and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 42 Slade Lane Junction

Geographic Map Route specification description Strategic Route Section H.32 SRS H.32 links Blackpool and the surrounding area with the rest of the rail network via Preston. The line is 17.5 miles long with two track

Date: June 2010 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team E-Mail: [email protected] formation throughout, and is electrified.

OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 W

S The route has five stations, with the busiest* being Blackpool North,

J Poulton-le-Fylde 6 and serves several markets, including inter-regional, local and I2 Layton commuter. There are also tourist passenger flows all year round I2 P R B C B N I2 travelling to Blackpool. Blackpool North

Kirkham and Wesham The route links with Preston via Preston Fylde Junction at the end of 1 S I2 B Salwick K I2 the route. There is another junction, Kirkham North Junction near PDB 2 PSR Preston Kirkham and Wesham station, that diverges towards the South I2P S R Blackburn 1 I2 B B Fylde Line towards Blackpool South station. B

FHR3 FHR4 L LH

Legend O C F Strategic Route Section : H.32 M VE2 Strategic Route : H Rail Network I2 I2Southport Major / Key Stations 3 S I2 Stations X H WB S3 Coast

I2 SRS H.32 Blackpool North Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 44

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Preston Fylde Junction to Blackpool North Section start Preston Fylde Junction, on approach to Preston station Section end Blackpool North station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 70 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 27 minutes (slow) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time 20 minutes (fast) improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 5 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.32 Blackpool North Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 45

ManchesterI2 Victoria (via I2 Earlestown) and Wigan Geographic Map Route specification description Southport Strategic I2Route Section

C H.33 O G SRS H.33 links Liverpool and eastern Merseyside (including St. C W F J 3 B 5 S S3 X H Helens) with Wigan, Warrington, Salford and Manchester. This

Date: June 2010 B

Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team 2

C N E-Mail: [email protected] PI2 V route is an important commuting route between Liverpool and MV M E2 OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map I2 with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. N Bolton Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 C L Manchester, and is also the primary freight route to and from the M V E Wigan North Western 1 I2 Ince Port of Liverpool, via either Bootle Branch Junction or Olive Mount L1 I2 2 K O W J S WBS I 1 M 3 Junction. It also serves long-distance, inter-regional and local H G Manchester Victoria B S Bryn 2 2 Salford Central N1 MPR KL MV W I2 M markets. This route is known locally as the Chat Moss line. VL Garswood M 1 Patricroft Eccles MV I2 I2 1 I2 I2 A I2 P L P K Earlestown CO NMB J I2 HAJ TT W A2 N Newton-le-Willows M The main route between Edge Hill and Manchester Victoria is 32 M St Helens Central Manchester Piccadilly

SC I2 I2 C T S I2 M 2 1 1 H 4 H S P O B 1 J J Thatto Heath S E G 2 miles long, with Edge Hill East Junction providing access to Liverpool S S D C I2 I2 N Eccleston Park I2 E S

B C I2 T Prescot I2 St Helens Junction 1 Y Lime Street station. The line between Huyton Junction and Springs Liverpool Lime Street I2 1 T S WK3 I2 Lea Green C C WJ M L I2 G SILI2 4 I2 D I2 C Stockport I2 Rainhill J I2 3 Huyton Whiston SJD WJ I2 P1 EJN Branch Junction is 12.5 miles long. Edge Hill Roby Broad Green I21 A Wavertree Technology Park Warrington Bank Quay 1 O P H W M X MAJ C S W 2 2 1 J DJ J L S MI Earlestown West and East Junctions provide access onto the West G A 3 C SCR WJL2 3

W Coast Main Line from Merseyside towards Warrington Bank Quay. B D R Legend

C R Strategic Route Section : H.33 R F W 2 J JL H 1 Strategic Route : H A further line between Newton-Le-Willows Junction and Parkside Rail Network

2 I2 MaMjor / Key Stations 1 D C Junction allows for connections between Warrington and the W HHJ H I2 C C Stations R MW R C C G 1 J H Coast 1 NO Merseyside area and then Manchester and Wigan North Western on the West Coast Main Line. The route then crosses Ordsall Lane Junction towards Manchester Victoria.

I2 SRS H.33 Edge Hill to Manchester Victoria (via July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 47 Earlestown) and Wigan

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Ordsall Lane Junction to Edge Hill Deal Street Junction to Ordsall Lane Junction Manchester Victoria East Junction to Windsor Bridge South Junction (in part) Springs Branch Junction to Huyton Junction (St Helens lines) Section start Edge Hill East Junction, on the approach to Edge Hill station Section end Manchester Victoria station; Springs Branch Junction, on the approach to Wigan North Western station Route availability† RA7, RA8 Gauge† W8, W9 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 75 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 5 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Edge Hill to Springs Branch Junction 41 minutes (slow) Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Edge Hill to Manchester Victoria 32 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Edge Hill to Springs Branch Junction 3 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Edge Hill to Manchester Victoria 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.33 Edge Hill to Manchester Victoria (via July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 48 Earlestown) and Wigan

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date School Lane Bridge W10a Gauge clearing for School Lane SJO2 2023 This will remove the one remaining DfT SOEF overbridge 65 for W10 freight traffic infringement for the line between the Port of Liverpool and WCML at Earlestown SRS H.34 Southport and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 49 Kirkby to Wigan Wallgate

Geographic Map Route specification description PS 5 R2 R P Preston FH I2S Strategic Route Section KB R S 1 1 3 Blackburn S I2 B SRS H.34 links Wigan Wallgate station with Southport (northern H.34 B

FHR L 4 LH branch) and Kirkby (southern branch). The route serves commuter,

Date: June 2010 J Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team 5 local and freight markets; and links Southport and west Lancashire E-Mail: [email protected]

O OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map C B F B with Greater Manchester via the Wigan Wallgate to Manchester with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. B Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692

Southport Victoria route. The northern leg is 17.5 miles long with the southern I2 I2 Meols Cop

W leg being 12 miles long; neither is electrified. B S3 Bescar Lane 3 I2 S X H New Lane I2 I2 Hoscar There are 16 stations on the route with Wigan Wallgate, Kirkby and Burscough Bridge I2 I2Parbold Southport being the busiest*. Wigan Wallgate provides interchange Appley Bridge M I2 VE 2 I2 Bolton N C Gathurst L for services towards Manchester; Kirkby and Southport are also I2 M V E Wigan North Western 1 1 L W terminal stations for the Merseyrail network. K I2 BS2 W 2 O J I2 I2 I2 S W BS1 I2 Orrell Pemberton 3 The two legs converge at Wigan Wallgate Junction. There is no H Upholland B S L2 WK Rainford direct access from Southport to Kirkby. I2 B2 HO Kirkby NMB JK I2 W S N R

M D M DSE The majority of the route is two track, with the exception of a five P JL Manchester Piccadilly S EEE 4 CT S J 2 1 H S G O C J 1 W S E Legend mile section of single track between Rainford Junction and Kirkby

E N

E S Strategic Route Section : H.34

B C T 1 J 1 H Strategic RoMuAte : H station on the southern leg. Knowsley Freight Terminal is located on Liverpool Lime Street B S 1 3 C CWK H M C X W G 3 S J W I22 L4 Rail Network W D J B K 2 JP C 2 R 3 1 D I I2 M 1 W I2 Major / Key Stations

S this single track section.

X Warrington Bank Quay H I2 W Stations C C

2 C J I2 D L 2 J S J M

3 D G 1 S Coast 2

C SRS H.34 Southport and Kirkby to Wigan July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 50 Wallgate

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Windsor Bridge North Junction to Southport (in part) Wigan Wallgate to Kirkby Section start Southport station, Kirkby station Section end Wigan Wallgate station Route availability† RA7 Kirkby to Wigan RA8 Southport to Wigan Gauge† W7 Signals† Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Track Circuit Block Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 70 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 15 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Southport to Wigan Wallgate 85 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Kirkby to Wigan Wallgate 24 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Kirkby to Manchester stations 71 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Southport to Wigan Wallgate 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Kirkby to Wigan Wallgate 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. Kirkby to Manchester stations1 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.34 Southport and Kirkby to Wigan July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 51 Wallgate

I2 Preston Geographic Map I2Blackburn Route specification description

FHR L 4 H Strategic Route Section L FH R6

H.35 C SRS H.35 links Wigan Wallgate to Manchester Victoria with a

J 5 branch line to Lostock towards Bolton. The route serves commuting

O C B F B Date: June 2010 B Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team E-Mail: [email protected] and local travel markets, particularly to and from Manchester. The

OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map I2 with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. main line is 17.5 miles long; the branch line is four miles long and Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 diverges from the main line near Hindley via Crows Nest Junction

M PR3 W towards Lostock where Lostock Junction provides access towards B S3

C PI2 C PI M 1 Bolton. V E2 3 L I2 I2 Bolton V M 2 O Lostock J M S V I2 E Wigan North Western N 1 There are 13 stations on the route, with the busiest* being LC Westhoughton I2 2 2 I2 WBSI2 N

I2 I2 V M Wigan Wallgate I2 2 R Manchester Victoria, Salford Crescent and Wigan Wallgate. I2 W Daisy Hill P Ince BS1 I2 M Hindley Hag Fold I2 I2 3 Walkden H B Atherton L2 S Moorside MVN1 WK Windsor Bridge North and South Junctions provide access from M A Swinton (Gtr. Manchester) MV MVL1 M 2 J OB I2 I2 SAJ H I2 Manchester Victoria OL P Salford Crescent to and from Manchester Victoria. Salford Crescent C P HAJ I2 A2 S

D Salford Central P DSE Manchester Piccadilly JL TT EEE 4 A S S J 2 H N S G H C 1 W

E 2 E H

Y C G R M MC P 1 2 R BH Y Y S 1 T H C S 1 M Legend I2 G D Stockport J C 3 D I2 SJ WJP Strategic Route Section : H.35 H 1 EJN R M Strategic Route : H B E 1 J I2 1 T A RailP Network T O Warrington Bank Quay A M HG 1 W C J C W MA I2 Major / Key Stations N 2 C M M J DJ 2 C C1 L S J D M 3 G IA H C M I2 Stations

WJL1 2 SCR WJL2 1 W H Coast C SRS H.35 Wigan Wallgate to Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 53 Victoria

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Windsor Bridge North Junction to Southport (in part) Manchester Piccadilly East Junction to Euxton Junction (in part) Manchester Victoria East Junction to Windsor Bridge South Junction Lostock Junction to Crows Nest Junction Section start Wigan Wallgate station Section end Manchester Victoria / Lostock Junction, near Bolton station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Salford Crescent - Manchester Victoria, rest of SRS 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. not electrified Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Wigan Wallgate to Manchester Victoria 46 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Wigan Station Junction to Lostock Junction 14 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Wigan Wallgate to Manchester Victoria 3 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Wigan Station Junction to Lostock Junction 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.35 Wigan Wallgate to Manchester July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 54 Victoria

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Wigan - Bolton Electrification WBS2, LCN To electrify remaining section of route In development originally proposed under NW Electrification Programme. Manchester and North West To deliver a better performing and more To support continued growth in rail Phased approach - some in Transformation Programme resilient network that also meets the usage on the corridors in and out of design, some in development passenger capacity requirements until Manchester. 2030 SRS H.36 Buxton Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 55

Geographic Map Route specification description Manchester Piccadilly G OL B C I2 HAJ N Strategic Route Section H.36 SRS H.36 links Buxton and Hazel Grove and is a commuting route T TA S MAJ 2 N H G DW from the High Peak area towards Stockport and Manchester. The

Date: June 2010 Y Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team T R route is 17 miles long, is two track throughout, and not electrified. It T E-Mail: [email protected] C A1 C M GM P 2 R Y Y T H 1 OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map S 1 serves commuting and local markets. M with permissDion of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown CopCyright. Licence No: 0100040692 N MC2 I2Stockport H SJD R P1 M WJ EJN There are eight stations on the route with the busiest* being Hazel B EJ

H I2 GC Grove and Buxton. NMC C M Hazel Grove 1 D IA S M M A 2 I2 I2 I2 S Middlewood MA There are important junctions at either end of the route with Hazel Disley I2 New Mills Newtown Grove East Junction providing access towards Stockport and onto

C H

Y C I2

C M Furness Vale Manchester Piccadilly, and Buxton Station Junction linking to the Whaley Bridge I2 Peak Forest freight line. Chapel-en-Le-Frith I2

C N Dove Holes B 1

I2C Buxton

CNB3

Legend

B 1 U Strategic Route Section : H.36 D X 1 P M Strategic Route : H M C C Rail Network I2 Major / Key Stations I2 Stations Coast SRS H.36 Buxton Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 56

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Buxton to Hazel Grove East Junction Section start Buxton station Section end Hazel Grove East Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 50 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 5 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 38 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.36 Buxton Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 57

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Buxton Freight Points Installation of a set of points on the line CNB1/2/3 2022 This will provide a diverse route into this DfT SOEF to Buxton to allow direct access to the area for freight customers. This CNB1/2/3 lines from the BEJ lines, enhancement provides value to all customer stakeholders in the area and FOC’s as a key part of their business. SRS H.37 Bolton to July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 58 Blackburn

Geographic Map Route specification description SRS H.37 links Bolton and Blackburn and is an important commuting route that connects east Lancashire with Greater Strategic Route Section Blackburn Manchester. The route is 14 miles long consisting of a mix of two H.37 track and single track line, and is not electrified. The route has six stations of which Bolton and Blackburn are the Darwen busiest*. Bolton West Junction connects the main route with Bolton station providing interchange towards Manchester and Preston. Blackburn Entwistle Bolton Junction near Blackburn station provides access to Blackburn station from the route.

Bromley Cross

Hall I’ Th’ Wood

Bolton

Wigan North Western

Legend

Coastline Strategic Route Section H.37 Strategic Route H Rail Network Station Major / Key Station SRS H.37 Bolton to Blackburn July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 59

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Bolton West Junction to Blackburn Bolton Junction Section start Bolton station Section end Blackburn station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 3 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 32 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.37 Bolton to Blackburn July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 60

Geographic Map Route specification description

Strategic Route Section 2 H

Y H.38 R SRS H.38 links Hazel Grove with Stockport and forms part of the

C M TT P A1 2 MC G 1 main South Transpennine route between Manchester and Sheffield. H

Date: June 2010 S N The route is two miles long, completely electrified, and is two track Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team H E-Mail: [email protected]

Y T

S OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map throughout. The route serves commuter, local and long-distance with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 inter-regional traffic as well as freight. I2Stockport N H M R C M 2 WJP1 EJN There are three stations on the route, with the busiest* being Hazel

Davenport Grove. I2 Woodsmoor I2 B EJ The route has key junctions at each end with Edgeley Junction No.1 1 P M C Hazel Grove I2 providing routes towards Stockport and Manchester, and Hazel HGC Grove East Junction for the Hope Valley and Buxton. N MC1 M C MIA H

SM A

Legend

Strategic Route Section : H.38 Strategic Route : H Rail Network I2 Major / Key Stations I2 Stations Coast SRS H.38 Hazel Grove to Edgeley Junction July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 62

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Dore West Junction to Edgeley Junction No.1 (Hope Valley lines) (in part) Section start Hazel Grove East Junction Section end Edgeley Junction No.1, on the approach to Stockport station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 40 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 8 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 5 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.38 Hazel Grove to Edgeley Junction July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 63

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Manchester and North West To deliver a better performing and more To support continued growth in rail Phased approach - some in Transformation Programme resilient network that also meets the usage on the corridors in and out of design, some in development passenger capacity requirements until Manchester. 2030. SRS H.39 Cumbrian Coast July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 64

Geographic Map Route specification description

2 W C E C N Strategic Route Section M 1 H.39 Carlisle SRS H.39, known as the Cumbrian Coast Line, is an important U I2 C Dalston (Cumbria) J transport link for rural and coastal communities in Cumbria and Wigton I2 Date: June 2010 I2 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team E-Mail: [email protected] providing access to Sellafield. The route is 115 miles long with a C3 CB Aspatria OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. I2 mixture of single and two track sections and is not electrified. It Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 C E3 G DA Maryport J 7 I2 Flimby serves freight, local and inter-regional markets as well as commuters I2 Workington I2 particularly to Sellafield. Harrington I2 Parton I2 The route has 34 stations (excluding Carlisle) with the busiest* being

Whitehaven I2 A C E I2 DE Corkickle Barrow-in-Furness which is also an interchange station for onward I2 St Bees journeys to Lancaster, Preston, and Manchester Airport. Other key I2 Nethertown I2 stations are Ulverston, Whitehaven and Sellafield, with the latter Braystones I2 I2 Sellafield Drigg I2 OXW Ravenglass for Eskdale also being an important location for freight. Seascale I2 C

1 Bootle Green Road I2 The route connects to the West Coast Main Line at Carlisle station Foxfield I2 Kirkby-in-Furness I2 via Carlisle South Junction and at Carnforth station via Carnforth I2 I2 Grange-over-Sands I2 Ulverston Arnside Silecroft I2 I2 I2 Legend North Junction. Millom I2 I2 I2 Silverdale Strategic Route Section : H.39 Askam I2 S I2 J C Strategic Route : H Dalton I2 Freight services use Currock Junction to leave this route and connect Barrow-in-Furness S Rail Network I2 I2 Kents Bank KW1 Carnforth I2 Major / Key Stations Cark L B Roose H I2 Stations with either the West Coast Main Line in a southerly direction at H H M Coast Upperby Bridge Junction or the Settle and Carlisle Line to Newcastle via London Road Junction. There are also two diversionary freight routes on the main route, firstly at Maryport station where a junction diverts passenger trains off the main route and through the one-platform station and back to the main line, then another two at Park South Junction and Dalton Junction which allow trains to bypass Roose and Barrow-in-Furness stations and continue on the main route. As this is a key freight route there are numerous sidings and yards adjacent to the railway other than at Sellafield: these include Dalston Oil Terminal, the Low Level Waste Repository at Drigg, the port of Barrow, and Carnforth sidings. SRS H.39 Cumbrian Coast July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 65

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Carlisle South Junction to Carnforth North Junction (via Barrow) Dalton Junction to Park South Junction Section start Carlisle South Junction Section end Carnforth Station Junction Route availability† RA7, RA8 Gauge† W6 with restricted W7, W8 from Workington to Carlisle Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block, and Token Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL on approaches into Carlisle and Carnforth, otherwise 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. this SRS is not electrified. Level Crossings† 106 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Carnforth to Barrow 50 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Carlisle to Barrow 150 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Carnforth to Barrow 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Carlisle to Barrow 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.39 Cumbrian Coast July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 66

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Energy Coast Rail Upgrade Capacity and capability enhancement to CBC In development accommodate scheduled freight growth associated with developments along the line SRS H.40 Settle and July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 67 Carlisle Line

Geographic Map Route specification description NEC2 N EC I2 W 1 Strategic Route Section C Newcastle M F E 1 T E P

K S Y E H.40 N H SRS H.40 links Carlisle with rural communities in east Cumbria and

Carlisle W

U N R I2 C B J North Yorkshire, through to Skipton with the line continuing to Armathwaite I2 Date: June 2010 C3 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team CB E-Mail: [email protected] Leeds. The route is 85 miles long, mostly two track and is not Lazonby and Kirkoswald I2 C OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map G with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. J 7 D F electrified. The route caters for the local, freight and commuter Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 Langwathby B A K E I2 3 D AE 2 2 S C O markets and it is also a popular tourist route all year round. B T S C D T AE F 1 I POC WC Appleby 1 I2 S

A 2 E SN C D D There are 14 stations on the route with the busiest* being Skipton E C D N1 E DS M B W 1 and Settle. Kirkby Stephen I2

E L At the north of the route Petteril Bridge Junction gives access to OXW

C L Garsdale P B Carlisle station on the West Coast Main Line; Settle Junction is a 1 C I2

1 REB2 Dent I2 south-facing connection to Carnforth. There is also a junction at Ribblehead I2 Hellifield station at which a route diverges towards Clitheroe and

D A Horton-in-Ribblesdale P S JC I2 Blackburn, this is mostly used by freight traffic. SK I2S Barrow-in-Furness W1 G S Settle MSM Long Preston I2 E H C H Hellifield M M 5 There are various sidings and yards adjacent to the line including I2 Legend 2 I2 Gargrave AY H L H E A S H Y1 I2 Strategic Route Se3 ction : H.40 M Skipton Y York Howe & Co’s siding five miles from Carlisle; Newbiggin, which is a I2 I2 Strategic Route : H 4 M IL C K E 2 Rail Network JH British Gypsum terminal near Kirkby; and Arcow Quarry siding near D 1 W I C L I2 K H C G Major / Key Stations P 1 E O E S J L N 6 I22 C Stations M E TJC N JC U 3 3 Horton-in-Ribblesdale. B G P Blackpool North G M Coast F I2 C I2Leeds Selby Preston I2 I2Blackburn SRS H.40 Settle and Carlisle Line July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 68

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Gargrave to Carlisle South Junction Whitehall West Junction to Hellifield South Junction (in part) Section start Petteril Bridge Junction, outside Carlisle station Section end Skipton station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W7 Signals† Mostly Absolute Block, some sections of Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 11 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 124 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 1 train every 2 hours Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.40 Settle and Carlisle Line July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 69

Geographic Map Route specification description Strategic Route Section H.41 2 SRS. H.41, the Windermere Branch line, is a ten mile single line

B C non-electrified route connecting Windermere and the West Coast

Date: June 2010 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team E-Mail: [email protected] Main Line at Oxenholme Lake District station. The route serves

A OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map C E with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. DE Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 local, commuter and inter-regional/long-distance markets with a significant tourism flow throughout the year. There are five stations on the route with Oxenholme and

Windermere C B Windermere being the busiest* in terms of passenger usage. C 1 Staveley (Cumbria) I2 I2 Burneside I2 Kendal I2 The branch line connects via Oxenholme Junction at Oxenholme RE Oxenholme Lake District B2 I2 Lake District station, where passengers can change to stations towards London and Scotland.

A S

P J C Barrow-in-Furness I2 SKW S 7 1 SG J G Legend C Strategic Route Section : H.41 M MS Strategic Route : H

H Rail Network 2 H S M K I2 Major / Key Stations S

C G I2 J Stations

6 D

J Coast H SRS H.41 Windermere Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 71

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Oxenholme to Windermere Section start Oxenholme Lake District station Section end Windermere station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Token Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 7 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 20 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.41 Windermere Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 72

Geographic Map Route specification description Strategic Route Section H.42 SRS H.42 links Carnforth with Settle via the 25 mile long ‘Bentham

OXW Line’. The route is two track throughout and is not electrified. The

Date: June 2010 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team route serves local and inter-regional markets and allows for a scenic E-Mail: [email protected]

B C REB2 O1 S Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map route from Lancaster and Morecambe towards Leeds. with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 There are four stations (excluding Carnforth), the busiest* of which C A S

J is Bentham (in terms of passenger usage). 7

A S P J The route leaves the West Coast Main Line at Carnforth station C

Barrow-in-Furness I2 I2 I2 Junction and connects to the Settle and Carlisle Line at Settle GS I2 S Carnforth Wennington I2 Bentham Junction. MSM Clapham I2 H

H M Giggleswick

S K S 2

SK W 1 1 S K S

IL K 2

W IL P K

S 1 Legend 2 E U T Strategic Route Section : H.42 G JC3 JC G Blackpool North Strategic Route : H S I2 B F JH Rail Network C D PRG E1 G LB J I2 I2 K 6 Major / Key Stations PBN HR5 M B F

R S I2 B 1 F Stations PSR Preston H 2 R I2 6 I2Blackburn Coast SRS H.42 Carnforth to Long Preston July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 74

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Carnforth Station Junction to Settle Junction Section start Carnforth Station Junction Section end Settle Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 8 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey 42 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour 8 trains per day Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.42 Carnforth to Long Preston July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 75

Geographic Map Route specification description Strategic Route Section H.43 SRS H.43 connects Morecambe and Heysham with the West Coast

C A S Main Line. The route from the West Coast Main Line to Morecambe

Date: June 2010 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team is two track and approximately two miles long, with a single line E-Mail: [email protected]

OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map branch line from Morecambe to Heysham Port station with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 CB C1

D approximately four miles long; there is a further half-mile of single A

P line from Heysham Port station to the Power Station site at

S J Barrow-in-Furness C SK I2 W1 Heysham. The route is not electrified and serves local, commuter S 7 SG J G C and freight markets.

L B H Morecambe SMI2 I2 M Bare Lane There are three stations on the route with Morecambe being the

H M busiest* station. One passenger train per day travels from I2 Heysham Port Morecambe to Heysham Port. Whilst the route is two track from Morecambe towards the West Coast Main Line, each line is bi-directional, with one joining from the West Coast Main Line at Morecambe South Junction from

Legend Lancaster and the south and the other joining the West Coast Main Strategic Route Section : H.43 Strategic Route : H Line at Hest Bank Junction towards Carnforth and the north. Rail Network

S I2 Major / Key Stations

G I2 Stations Morecambe Junction links the main route to the branch line for

H BN Coast J P D Heysham. The junction faces Morecambe station, resulting in trains I2 to and from Heysham needing to reverse at Morecambe station. SRS H.43 Morecambe and Heysham Port July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 77 Branch

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Morecambe South Junction to Morecambe Hest Bank Junction to Bare Lane Morecambe Junction to Heysham Port Section start Morecambe South Junction / Hest Bank Junction, on WCML between Lancaster and Carnforth stations Section end Morecambe station, Heysham Power Station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8 Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 55 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 5 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Morecambe to Bare Lane 4 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Morecambe to Heysham 15 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Morecambe to Bare Lane 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Morecambe to Heysham 1 train per day aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.43 Morecambe and Heysham Port July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 78 Branch

T J C OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map 3 with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 ‘The Roses Line’

S Clitheroe I2 The main section of this route links central Lancashire, east C ‘The Colne Branch’

J Colne 6 H I2 J D Lancashire and West Yorkshire. Starting at Farington Curve on Nelson Whalley I2 Blackpool North Brierfield This branch line links Colne with services towards Accrington on the I2 I2 I2 Preston’s approach, it runs for 30.5 miles on two track non- Burnley Barracks C Langho J I2 Rose Grove G Roses Line via Gannow Junction. It is a single non-electrified line of Burnley Central I2 I2 electrified line to Hall Royd Junction near Todmorden. The route PBN Ramsgreave & Wilpshire Huncoat I2 I2 I2 I2 Burnley Manchester Road approximately six miles. There are six stations on the route, serving Rishton I2 serves long-distance inter-regional, local, commuter and freight PSR I2 2 Preston 5 Hapton R K I2 FH local and commuter markets, with Burnley Central being the BS 4 I2 I2 1 R F Bamber Bridge HI2 HR Lostock Hall F 6 markets; and has 13 stations, the largest* of which is Blackburn, I2 I2 Accrington I2 I2 Blackburn I2 Church and Oswaldtwistle busiest*. Pleasington Mill Hill (Lancashire) I2 allowing interchange between this line, the Clitheroe Line via C

J Todmorden 5 Cherry Tree Daisyfield Junction and the line towards Bolton via Blackburn B B Croston B I2 O Bolton Junction. Other key stations include Accrington and Burnley C I2Southport F Rufford I2 Manchester Road. The route connects onto the Colne Branch line W 3 B S S3 X H M Legend PR3 via Gannow Junction. This route can also be accessed from Wigan Burscough Junction I2 Strategic Route Section : H.44 C PI2 3 M L V Strategic Route : H V E M North Western via Farington Junction on the two track Lostock Hall 2 Bolton Ormskirk I2 N I2 Rail Network C L I2 Major / Key Stations M line. Hall Royd Junction at the east end of the route provides access V Wigan North Western E 2 1 I2 I2 N Stations 2 1 V L 2 O K M R J KL2 W W E WB CoasPt S TW S1 M towards Burnley, Bradford and Leeds as well as the Todmorden Curve providing a route towards Manchester via Rochdale.

Ormskirk to Preston branch line I2 The branch line runs from Ormskirk station to Farington Curve Junction on the approach to Preston station, on a single non- electrified line for approximately 13.5 miles. It serves local and commuter markets with four stations: Ormskirk, an interchange between the main network and Merseyrail network, is the busiest* in terms of passenger usage. SRS H.44 Roses Line and Branches July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 80 (including Preston to Ormskirk and Blackburn to Hellifield)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Farington Curve Junction to Hall Royd Junction (East Lancs lines) Farington Curve Junction to Ormskirk Daisyfield Junction to Hellifield Gannow Junction to Colne Section start Farington Curve Junction, on the approach to Preston station Section end Ormskirk station, Colne station, Hellifield Junction, Hall Royd Junction near Todmorden Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6, W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block, Token Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 70 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 46 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Preston to Blackburn 16 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed time Preston to Ormskirk 30 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Blackburn to Burnley Manchester Road 17 minutes Blackburn to Colne 43 minutes Blackburn to Clitheroe 23 minutes All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic No. of passenger trains per hour Preston to Blackburn 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry Network Planning. (tph) Preston to Ormskirk 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. Blackburn to Burnley Manchester Road 2 tph Blackburn to Colne 1 tph Blackburn to Clitheroe 1 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.44 Roses Line and Branches July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 81 (including Preston to Ormskirk and Blackburn to Hellifield)

E N I2 Wigan North Western 1 L1 V

Strategic Route Section 2 K M O W 2 J H W R I B S M S P H.45 X 1 SRS H.45 links Chester and Ellesmere Port with Warrington Bank S 3 G M 3 H B C 2 S G KL J MVN1 W 5 MVL1 1 Quay and the West Coast Main Line. The route is split into three 2 2 B A O Manchester Piccadilly O H P J Date: June 2010 COL P D NMB S I2 AJ Asset Information & Mapping Team N K H Map Produced By: J R M E-Mail: [email protected] W D sections: the main line, approximately 17.5 miles long, runs from E M PJ DS L C T S T 4 M A S H J 2 1 N S P C S G H O T 1 2 OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map J 1 C with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. S 1 BH Chester to Acton Grange Junction, south-west of Warrington Bank Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 N S C T 2 T

E G A S 1

B J X 3 H 1 K3 C Liverpool Lime Street CW W M Stockport K I2 D 2 2 C Quay. The Ellesmere Port branch, approximately five miles long, R I WJP Y I2 M 1 T EJN Warrington Bank Quay S N C M B 1 C E C 1 J I2A S O 1 H connects the main line from Warrington Bank Quay to Ellesmere X J S W MA 2 W 1 J J 2 L SD J MIA 3 G WJL2 C Port via Helsby Junction at Helsby station; the junction is west- B D R C I2 R W R JL facing and therefore does not allow for direct movements from 1 C 2 N Runcorn East H H 3 C I2 M Chester to Ellesmere Port. The final section is the Halton Curve, a 1.5 HHJ Frodsham I2 I2 I2

1 Stanlow & Thornton W Helsby O mile single line section of track that connects the main line via H N W C HC H D Ince & Elton N B M 3 C W R C R Frodsham Junction to the Liverpool line via Halton Junction and 1 CDM2

S N 1 J 1 D

P M M Chester C I2 C allows trains to travel between Chester and Liverpool.

2 J S W There are seven stations along the route (excluding Warrington

G W J D 1 B Bank Quay) with Chester being the main station. Chester and 1 Legend

CN H1 Strategic Route Section : H.45 Ellesmere Port stations allow for interchanges onto the Merseyrail CreSwtraetegic Route : HKCS1

I2G B S Rail Network H G I network; Chester also connects to Crewe and towards Wales. I2 L Major / Key Stations Q2 E SC Wrexham General C 4 1 I2 Stations C I2 C M Q Y C S D Coast 2 S The combined route serves inter-regional, local and commuter markets as well as freight traffic. There are several freight facilities adjacent to the route, for example Walton Old Sidings which is used by freight operators to form services and store wagons, and Warrington Arpley Yard which is leased by DB Cargo and provides connections to other freight lines. SRS H.45 Chester and Ellesmere Port to July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 83 Warrington Bank Quay

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Chester East Junction to Action Grange Junction Hooton South Junction to Helsby Junction (in part) Frodsham Junction to Halton Junction Section start Chester East Junction, just east of Chester / Ellesmere Port stations Section end Acton Grange Junction, on the approach to Warrington Bank Quay Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 75 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Warrington Bank Quay to Chester 22 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Warrington Bank Quay to Ellesmere Port 30 minutes (limited improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. number of direct services) No. of passenger trains per hour Warrington Bank Quay to Chester 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Warrington Bank Quay to Ellesmere Port 3 trains per day aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.45 Chester and Ellesmere Port to July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 84 Warrington Bank Quay

Geographic Map Route specification description

P Strategic Route Section S H.46 SRS H.46, known as the South Fylde Line, serves local, commuter C

J 6 and seasonal tourism markets for Blackpool Pleasure Beach and

Date: June 2010 Map Produced By: Asset Information & Mapping Team major golf tournaments at Lytham St Annes. The non-electrified E-Mail: [email protected]

R OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map C with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. B single line route is approximately 12.5 miles long and joins the main Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 I2 Blackpool North Blackpool North to Preston line at Kirkham North Junction allowing a Preston to Blackpool South service. I2 Blackpool South Kirkham and Wesham There are seven stations on the route, the busiest* (in terms of I2 I2 Blackpool Pleasure Beach PBN I2 passenger usage) are Blackpool South, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Squires Gate and St Annes-on-the-sea. I2 Moss Side

2 PSR Preston I2 I2 There are Network Rail engineering sidings at Kirkham North St Annes-on-the-Sea KB S1 I2 I2 Junction. Ansdell and Fairhaven Lytham

Legend

Strategic Route Section : H.46 Strategic Route : H O C Rail Network F I2 Major / Key Stations I2 Stations Coast

I2 SRS H.46 Blackpool South Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 86

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Kirkham North Junction to Blackpool South Section start Kirkham North Junction, west of Kirkham & Wesham station Section end Blackpool South station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 70 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 2 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Kirkham and Wesham to Blackpool South 23 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Kirkham and Wesham to Blackpool South 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.46 Blackpool South Branch July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 87

G C J B 7 C 1 See maps for further route information. S S YM JC Barrow-in-FurDnate: Jsunse 2010 S SK A Map Produced By: Asset Information & MWa1pping Team C E-Mail: [email protected] L B S H HB H E OSH Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map C M M with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. 5 Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 S K S L H 2 E AY H 1 H 3 O York S I2 4I2 Buxton to Hindlow (BUX) M Skipton ILK2 C Woodley Junction to Bredbury Sidings (WJP1) TJ E C3 IL K 1 C 1 H C G E O L N J 2 6 E H C E This single track line, known as the Buxton and High Peak Junction J U Blackpool North J G G M C D I2 F M This single line route diverges from the Hyde route (Manchester to P E1 C Leeds H 3 P R B 2 UL Selby BN G L L 4 M E HUL O I2 3 U F R D

Preston H H B H H line, links the freight terminals at Dowlow and Hindlow with Buxton. R UL1 JS Blackburn 6 Castleford Hensall I2 F 2 Hessle C I2 Rose Hill / Marple) at Woodley Junction. It runs for approximately HR4 I2 H Normanton JG P C I2 Knottingley T I2 Hull G 1 J G 5 I2 A I2 O Sandal & Agbrigg W 2 I2 C B H M F A C one mile catering for SUEZ Recovery and Recycling UK and Tarmac P Southport B I2 C Snaith R E K 2 1 B B 2 G R D J I2 P N W T I2 W B 2 B V O L O S H S 1 M P 3 M 1 Y P G N E V A DOW Y J N M 2 E E AC B T OW 3 2 3 2 D A 2 CPI2 L P

J S at Bredbury. S CJ I2 S V E KA 3 1 Bolton M H M M 2 I2 R N 2 S C D E O C P E Doncaster J L P J2 Scunthorpe

M M Peak Forest Junction to Chinley South Junction (CNB1/2/3/4) 2 S WKL I2 S W BS S I2 3 1 5 F M C Wigan North Western Rotherham Central ED W A SC Manchester Piccadilly J P R SPD M S 4 3 N 1 1 H Meadowhall K I2 S B 4 3 B C S J N J 1 T H J 1 SE G M HA D E H C M This is double track railway as far as Great Rocks Junction, then the D J I2 W B Y Liverpool Lime Street A C HA E S M C C T M A M C 2 I2 W C Stockport 3 C 1 WJP1 S J I2 J T H L SDJ2 I2 B R 3 I2 C S E K 3 I2 J N B I2 MC T I2 H 1 Shireoaks B Sandbach North Junction to Northwich West Junction (SNJ) T R S 1 Gatley A 3 O line splits with a single track towards the freight terminal at A C J C S 1 M T A N Warrington Bank Quay Sheffield M TY P Worksop B D WJ T I2 1 C 3 L1 N J 1 Hazel Grove I2 B C I2 W I2 1 1 HHJ H C H Chapel-en-Le-Frith 3 Tunstead and a single line towards Buxton. A project to install a set M C N BA C W O P The Northwich Branch line is a mainly single, non-electrified railway C 2 R DM Dove Holes I2 R C Chesterfield S B 1 B I2 E S U E IM S C H P N Buxton X C Chester K J C of points on the line to Buxton will allow direct access to the I2 C 9 W Legend P G M B line between Sandbach South Junction and Northwich South 1 J E 1 P S C 4 8 Strategic Route Section : H.98 M C 3 RUB2 S C S R C 1 T 2 G D P S 1 CNB1/2/3 lines from the BEJ lines. B M S Strategic Route : H C P B NH C A 1 J O Junction. The route is approximately 8.5 miles long and caters for Crewe M 1 3 B S N C S 1 PB 2 H 2 S Rail Network R I2 V C R D I Q D G L Q C Wrexham General C A P J P C S 3 B C E S I2 C M W T C I2 Major / Key Stations Y D C M

S C 1 2 occasional freight traffic; it is no longer maintained to passenger 2 W HCM CSoNast The Peak Forest Northern Connection scheme will deliver a track G L NS D 1 RS E S D E S 2 C R I2 E X Stations 4 G L MJT2 standard. Derby connection from the Down Goods line to a siding to form a look that I2 I2Grantham I2 will be utilised by inbound freight traffic at the Peak Forest Quarry. British Salt Ltd has a rail terminal with a south-facing connection

Strategic Route Section YMS 1 approximately 1.75 miles from Sandbach; and there is a passing C B C H.99 S JC

Barrow-in-Furness 7 J SKW I2S G 1 loop (the ‘Middlewich Loop’) approximately 3.5 miles from G C S Chinley Chord (CYC)

MSM C A S E H Date: June 2010 C Sandbach, at the site of the former Middlewich station. The H 2 Asset Information & Mapping Team S M Map Produced By: M K 5 E-Mail: [email protected] S 2 This single line triangular chord links Chinley South Junction with AY H L E HA Y1 prevailing line speed is 20mph (including junctions). OS Information reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map H H 3 with permission of the controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. Skipton O York S Crown Copyright. Licence No: 0100040692 I2 I2 4 Chinley East and Chinley North Junctions. M IL C K E 2

1 W IL C K H C P E O G 1 S L N

6 2 E N JC U B G G P S SRS H.24 Deansgate to Allerton M I2 B T F H F BE1 J C J P L C Leeds Selby D R 3 H G HUL4 F M U 1 Earles Private Sidings (EPS) Blackpool North H I2 I2 E W HUL3 R R L G B 1 6 B H P Preston D M E T UL S SR2 1 Trafford Park Freightliner Terminal C B Blackburn M B B I2 M I2 O 2 K Castleford 3 I2 2 G O J FHR4 J Hessle Knottingley T C 1 I2 Normanton I2 M A G Dewsbury R S D L J WAG1 D 5 G Situated near Hope on the Manchester to Sheffield route, this O I2 C I2 Ravensthorpe 2 F I2 M Trafford Park is an Intermodal Freight terminal located adjacent to Southport I2 C B S E 2 1 B 2 H K G I2 J N C T P W B W consists of a Down goods loop and a series of sidings with V B O 3 S3 M Sandal & Agbrigg S 1 N S M G V B J the Allerton West Junction to Castlefield Junction line to the west of X N E A DO T W H 2 3 L DO DOW A CPI2 H 1 L P SK CJS S Bolton V E 2 A 3 M H 1 connections at either end that act as an interchange point for an I2 M R M 2 C N E V P D Wigan North Western LC E PE J2 M Manchester city centre close to Manchester United Football Ground 1 S M I2 W S 2 IM B H S1 B O G D 2 S 5 U J KL D Y S M industrial line to the cement works. The sidings are part of the W 3 PE 3 H S Manchester Piccadilly J E SPD C B C 1 C 4 A S N C S K M Rotherham Central M M station. It is accessed via Trafford Park West Junction, which J J K N HA 1 I2 P 1 W B M 2 S 4 SE M 3 D C H J D J M S T SIC2 N G C E S 1 1 network but the siding to the cement works is outside the Network B 2 C H C E B Meadowhall M S J I2 T S A W M Davenport HA E X C CWK3 1 Stockport M C consists of two east-facing crossings, therefore permitting parallel A 2 B M

3 C I2 H C 3 T 1 J C I2 J WJP T J 1 EJN I2 H Woodsmoor R G I2 2 I2 S J C I2 I2 C K C I2 Sheffield B Rail boundary. D Liverpool Lime Street S I2 I2 AS I2 H B Gatley Hazel Grove M R W 1 3 C C moves to and from the terminal. The reception, departure and main J T A S Warrington Bank Quay M C P H I2 Shireoaks R Chinley Darnall D W Cheadle Hulme C I2 R JL C T Worksop Retford 3 1 M I2 2 N J I2 B C I2 I2 1 1 HH route within the terminal are electrified, but all other sidings and J BA H C M Chapel-en-Le-Frith BAC2 3 1 N W W Buxton B LegePnd O C W O S D C 2 I2 R H M Dove Holes C E B CD R C C 1 3 Strategic Route SecBtion : H.99 1 G B 1 M U C E I lines are not electrified. There is no access from the west H J S S New Mills South Junction to Northenden Junction (NMC1 & D C 1 X K C N Chester N P M C Strategic RouC te : H H3 J W I2 C 9 Y T P

RaB il Network S M 1 (Warrington/Merseyside direction). E 3 8 WJP1) W C P C I2 Major / KeyR SUBta2tions C S D 2 M T 2 J B C P S S S B 1 1 C C I2P Stations W B NH A C 1 I J O K S M T H Crewe C R S1 C 1 PBS1 A N B Q Coast I2 SCQ2 3 C This single track section links the Sheffield to Manchester (Hope I2Wrexham General Valley) route with the Stockport to Skelton Junction route. SRS H.98 Freight Trunk July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 89 Routes and H.99 Other Freight Routes

Winnington Branch – Brunner Mond Oakleigh Sidings port network. There is a secondary bi-directional line (the Olive (Chemicals) NW3033/3035 Mount Chord) which provides an east-facing link with SRS H.33 for traffic heading east towards the West Coast Main Line, Manchester, The Winnington Branch provides rail access to the Tata Chemicals Yorkshire and the North East. It is connected to the main Bootle UK-owned Winnington Works and Northwich Oakleigh Sidings from Branch line at Edge Lane Junction (approximately half a mile from both directions of the Mid-Cheshire Line via single track chords at Bootle Branch Junction). A variety of freight flows access the port Hartford West and Hartford East Junctions. The chords merge into via the branch, including coal, containers, steel and biomass. a short single line at Hartford North Junction before splitting to a two track section for three-quarters of a mile. Pilkington Glass Oil Sidings Hartford CLC to West Coast Main Line Chord NW3037 Pilkington Glass is adjacent to SRS H.33, approximately half a mile south of St Helens Central station. The private sidings can be The Hartford Chord links the West Coast Main Line and Mid- accessed via the Down Goods Loop. Cheshire Line north of Hartford station and west of Greenbank station. It is a bi-directional link consisting of a small section of two track and small section of single line railway. The single line portion Ince Moss Chord Line (IMG) is electrified to allow shunting of electric rolling stock off the West Ince Moss Chord is a single track, non-electrified route linking the St. Coast Main Line. The two track section and access to the Mid- Helens Branch (SRS H.33) with the West Coast Main Line freight Cheshire Line is not electrified, and the whole chord is limited to 30 lines at Bamfurlong Junction. Line speed is 25 mph. The primary use mph maximum speed. The route is used for diversionary purposes of this route is for freight travelling between Merseyside and the and also for Network Rail engineering trains. West Coast Main Line.

SRS H.32 Blackpool North Branch - Burn Naze Branch (WPS) Up and Down Lowton Branch (NGJ & PJL) The route between Poulton-le-Fylde Junction and the former This route links the Chat Moss route (SRS H.33) with the West Coast Thornton Power Station has been formally taken out of use within Main Line at Golborne Junction for services travelling between the Sectional Appendix. The line was a single track branch with Manchester and Wigan North Western. The route is electrified with passing loops located at Poulton-le-Fylde Junction and the former a 20 mph line speed. Northern passenger services from Manchester Burn Naze station. The connection at Poulton-le-Fylde Junction has Airport to Barrow-in-Furness and Windermere use this line. been severed, with passive provision for reconnection to the east of Poulton-le-Fylde station should the branch be reinstated. Eccles Up Goods Loop (SCN) SRS H.33 Edge Hill to Manchester Victoria (via Earlestown) and The Eccles Up Goods Loop is located at Eccles station and also to Wigan - Bootle Branch (SCT1) provides access to Weaste. The loop has a speed of 40 mph. The main Bootle branch is a two track, non-electrified railway linking the Edge Hill area with the Port of Liverpool (via a west- Castleton to Bolton Line (CEH) facing connection at the Edge Hill end). The line is situated in a Accessed at Castleton South Junction, this non-electrified line runs variety of cuttings and tunnels and has a 20mph speed limit. The for three-quarters of a mile under Network Rail control to the branch ends in the area of the former Regents Road level crossing, boundary with the East Lancashire Railway. where there is a boundary point between the main network and the SRS H.98 and H.99 Freight July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 90 Buxton to Hindlow (BUX)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Buxton to Brigg’s Sidings (Hindlow) Section start Buxton Section end Hindlow Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Token Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 20 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.98 and H.99 Freight July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 91 Peak Forest Junction to Chinley South Junction (CNB1/2/3/4)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Chinley North Junction to Buxton Section start Chinley North Junction Section end Buxton Sidings Route availability† RA8 Gauge† Chinley North Junction to former Buxton Junction W7 Former Buxton Junction to Buxton Sidings W6 Signals† Absolute Block, Electric Token Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 45 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Chinley East Junction to Chinley South Junction (chord line) Section start Chinley East Junction Section end Chinley South Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 25 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this section. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.98 and H.99 Freight July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 93 New Mills South Junction to Northenden Junction (NMC1 & WJP1)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Dore West Junction to Edgeley Junction No.1 (Hope Valley lines) Hazel Grove High Level Junction to Northenden Junction Section start New Mills South Junction Section end Northenden Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6, W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 45 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Woodley Junction to Bredbury Sidings Section start Woodley Junction Section end Bredbury Sidings Route availability† RA7 Gauge† W7 Signals† See local instructions of NESA Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 15 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS H.98 and H.99 Freight July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 95 Sandbach North Junction to Northwich West Junction (SNJ)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Sandbach North Junction to Northwich South Junction Section start Sandbach South Junction Section end Northwich South Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 20 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. Route M: West Midlands & July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 96 Chilterns

London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill Wolverhampton, Walsall and Rugeley corridor SRS M.01 London Marylebone to Aynho Junction 97 SRS M.13 Stechford to Wolverhampton (via Aston) 119 SRS M.12 Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill 97 SRS M.18 Rugeley to Bescot 119

SRS M.26 Wolvercot Junction (Oxford) to Bicester Chord 97 SRS M.24 Soho Junctions to Perry Barr Junctions 119 Aylesbury Lines SRS M.14 Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction 122 SRS M.02 Neasden South Junction to Harrow-on-the-Hill 101 SRS M.25 Stourbridge Town Branch 122 SRS M.03 Amersham to Aylesbury Vale Parkway 101 SRS M.15 Stourbridge Junction to Worcester and Hereford 125 SRS M.04 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury 101 SRS M.16 Stratford-upon-Avon Lines 128 West Coast Main Line SRS M.17 Cross City North 131 SRS M.05 Rugby to Birmingham New Street 104 SRS M.20 Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury 134 SRS M.06 Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton 107 SRS M.07 Wolverhampton to Stafford 107 SRS M.99 Freight Lines (trunk routes and other freight lines) 137 Cross City South Lines SRS M.08 Birmingham New Street to Barnt Green 110 SRS M.09 Barnt Green to Stoke Works Junction 110 SRS M.19 Redditch to Barnt Green 110 SRS M.21 Camp Hill lines 110 Derby and Nuneaton Lines SRS M.10 Birmingham New Street to Wichnor Junction 113 SRS M.22 Water Orton to Nuneaton 113 Nuneaton to Wolvercot Junction (Oxford) SRS M.11 Oxford to Coventry 116 SRS M.23 Nuneaton to Coventry 116 SRS M.01 London Marylebone to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 97 Aynho Junction SRS M.26 Wolvercot Junction (Oxford) to Bicester Chord SRS M.12 Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill

Geographic Maps Route specification description SRS M.01, M.26 and M.12 form the Chiltern Main Line, and connects Freight traffic between Aynho Junction and Leamington is part of a London Marylebone station, Birmingham Moor Street and key strategic flow from Southampton to the Midlands and the West Birmingham Snow Hill. It is predominantly a two-track railway, Coast Main Line. non-electrified route. There is a Train Maintenance Depot at Tyseley which is used for The mains stations on the Chiltern Main Line are London servicing, maintenance and repair of diesel trains. It is also the Marylebone, Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill. location of Tyseley Locomotive Works which is both a museum and steam train depot. London Marylebone serves over 14 million passengers annually; the station provides a key interchange facility with the London Underground system. Birmingham Moor Street currently serves over 6 million passengers annually and is adjacent to the proposed Birmingham HS2 station at Curzon Street. Birmingham Snow Hill station serves over 4 million passengers annually and is an important interchange for the Midland Metro. An extension to the Metro has taken the line through the centre of Birmingham, to Birmingham New Street station. High Wycombe is also a key station along the route, serving over 2.5 million passengers annually. Recent new stations along the route include Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village, which was previously known as Bicester Town. The Chiltern Main Line supports three different types of markets: long-distance between London Marylebone and Birmingham; London and South East; and regional urban commuting into key regional centres. The Oxford to London Marylebone market is relatively new but proving popular with passengers. SRS M.01 London Marylebone to Aynho July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 98 Junction SRS M.26 Wolvercot Junction (Oxford) to Bicester Chord SRS M.12 Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description London Marylebone to Aynho Junction (see also M.11) Heyford to Bordesley Junction (part), Small Heath South Junction to Birmingham Snow Hill (Stourbridge North Junction) Oxford, North, Junction (Excl.) to Denbigh Hall South Junction (in part) Section start London Marylebone station Oxford North Junction Section end Birmingham Snow Hill station Bicester Eastern Perimeter Road level crossing Route availability† London Marylebone to Aynho Junction RA8, RA7 Aynho Junction to Stourbridge North Junction RA8 Oxford North Junction to Bicester Chord RA8

Gauge† London Marylebone to Aynho Junction W6, W7 There are aspirations in the medium to longer term to gauge Aynho Junction to Small Heath Junction W10 clear the route from Neasden to Aynho Junction via High Small Heath Junction to Birmingham Snow Hill W6 Wycombe, to allow W9 and possibly W10 traffic. Any new Oxford North Junction to Bicester Chord W12 structures should be built to W10 / W12 and Electrification clearance. Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† London Marylebone to Birmingham 100 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Oxford North Junction to Bicester Chord 60 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations Level Crossings† 8 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS M.01 London Marylebone to Aynho July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 99 Junction SRS M.26 Wolvercot Junction (Oxford) to Bicester Chord SRS M.12 Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill 92 to 100 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time London Marylebone to Oxford 64 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill 35 to 40 minutes London Marylebone to Banbury 50 to 60 minutes Stratford-upon-Avon/Dorridge to Birmingham Snow Hill 49 minutes (S-u-A) and 23 minutes (Dorridge) No. of passenger trains per hour London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill up to 2 tph (some Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) terminate at Birmingham Moor Street) aspirations and market requirements. London Marylebone to Oxford 2 tph Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill up to 2 tph (some East West Rail is anticipated to increase frequency between terminate at Birmingham Moor Street) Oxford and Bletchley to 6 tph. London Marylebone to Banbury up to 3 tph Stratford-upon-Avon/Dorridge to Birmingham Snow Hill 3 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.01 London Marylebone to Aynho July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 100 Junction SRS M.26 Wolvercot Junction (Oxford) to Bicester Chord SRS M.12 Leamington Spa to Birmingham Snow Hill

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date East West Rail link phase 2 Reopening of the Oxford/Aylesbury to Various See Enhancements Potential new passenger and freight Various funders In delivery Bedford railway between Claydon and Delivery Plan service opportunities Bletchley to create a new route and enable new services and extra capacity Strategic Freight Network Improvements to freight loops at Fenny DCL See Enhancements Increased performance and operational DfT CP5 SFN In development Compton Delivery Plan flexibility Chiltern train lengthening Platform extensions to standardise at 6 NAJ2 2024 Increased capacity and operational In development and 9 car train lengths efficiency Midlands Rail Hub - central Bordesley Chords, new platforms at Moor Various CP7 Up to 10 additional passenger paths into DfT In development Birmingham enhancements Street and Snow Hill, wider approach to and through central Birmingham Moor Street Solihull Corridor capacity Provision of some 4-track infrastructure DCL 2030 Connectivity and capacity - 4 tph local enhancement between Tyseley and Dorridge service to Dorridge Birmingham Moor Street main Reconfiguration of the main gateline and Various 2023 Improved pedestrian capacity and flow DfT SOEF gateline platform 1 through the station SRS M.02 Neasden South Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 101 to Harrow-on-the-Hill SRS M.03 Amersham to Aylesbury Vale Parkway SRS M.04 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury

Geographic Maps Route specification description SRS M.02, M.03 and M.04 form part of the southern section of the Chiltern lines. These SRS serve the London and South East commuter market, and support local services from Aylesbury and Aylesbury Vale Parkway to London Marylebone (part of which is known as the Metropolitan Line) and on the single line between Princes Risborough and Aylesbury. Passenger services operate regularly from London Marylebone to Aylesbury Vale Parkway via Amersham, over infrastructure between Amersham and Harrow-on-the Hill which is owned by London Underground Limited (the Metropolitan Line). The route on either side of the London Underground Limited infrastructure is part of the national rail network and is not electrified. A passenger service operates in most hours between Aylesbury and Princes Risborough. Freight services are operated on the freight-only single lines between Bicester Town and Claydon LNE Junction and between Aylesbury and Claydon L&NE Junction. Harrow-on-the-Hill is a key interchange station with the Metropolitan Line. SRS M.02 Neasden South Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 102 Harrow-on-the-Hill SRS M.03 Amersham to Aylesbury Vale Parkway SRS M.04 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Neasden South Junction to Harrow-on-the-Hill Amersham to Aylesbury Vale Princes Risborough to Aylesbury Aylesbury to Claydon L&NE Junction Section start Neasden South Junction Princes Risborough Section end North of Aylesbury Vale Parkway station at Claydon L&NE Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6 other than W10 / W12 / Electrification clearance. Princes Risborough to Aylesbury W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Electric Token Block between Aylesbury and Claydon L&NE Management System (ERTMS). Junction Predominant Linespeed† Neasden South Junction to Harrow-on-the-Hill 50/60 mph for Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with sprinter vehicles infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Amersham to Aylesbury 75 mph Princes Risborough to Aylesbury 40 mph Electrification† Non-electrified with the exception of the LUL infrastructure 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. between Amersham and Harrow-on-the-Hill which is electrified by fourth rail. Level Crossings† 5 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS M.02 Neasden South Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 103 Harrow-on-the-Hill SRS M.03 Amersham to Aylesbury Vale Parkway SRS M.04 Princes Risborough to Aylesbury

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey London Marylebone to Aylesbury 1 hour Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time London Marylebone to Aylesbury Vale Parkway 1 hour improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Aylesbury to Princes Risborough 18 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour London Marylebone to Aylesbury 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry A review of service mix on the LUL line will help to determine (tph) London Marylebone to Aylesbury Vale Parkway 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. how to deliver the capacity required on the route from Aylesbury Aylesbury to Princes Risborough 1 tph into London Marylebone. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Metropolitan line resignalling Introduction of modern signalling LUL 2023 Improved capacity, performance and TfL In development technology between Amersham and infrastructure operational flexibility. Harrow-on-the-Hill (part of TfL’s Four Lines Modernisation Programme (4LM)) SRS M.05 Rugby to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 104 Birmingham New Street

Geographic Map Route specification description The Rugby to Birmingham New Street Strategic Route Section is an important route within the West Midlands and is one of the busiest mixed-use sections of the West Coast Main Line. SRS M.05 serves long-distance, regional urban and freight markets. Long-distance services operate from London Euston to Birmingham New Street; and services operate from Reading and the South Coast to the north. The regional urban services serve the commuter market between Birmingham, Coventry, Northampton, and Rugby. These services also provide access to Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre via Birmingham International. There are significant freight flows on the route, key flows operate to and through the West Midlands from the port of Southampton and London areas. The services on this route call at Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International, and Coventry stations. Birmingham International station serves 4.5 million passengers annually. Coventry station serves 5.5 million passengers annually SRS M.05 Rugby to Birmingham New Street July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 105

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Rugby (to Penkridge) via Birmingham (in part) Section start Rugby Trent Valley Junction Section end Birmingham New Street station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† Rugby Trent Valley Junction to Stechford Junction W10 W10 / W12 Stechford Junction to Birmingham New Street station W8 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† EPS of 125 mph (100 mph PS) from Rugby to Coventry, with EPS Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with dropping to 110 mph to Birmingham International and then infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. predominantly 100 mph through to Birmingham New Street Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham New Street to Coventry 20 to 27 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Birmingham New Street to Rugby 32 to 38 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham New Street to Coventry 7 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry Longer term plan: preferred industry strategy is HS2 which will (tph) Birmingham New Street to Rugby 4 tph aspirations and market requirements. release future capacity on this corridor. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.05 Rugby to Birmingham New Street July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 106

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Birmingham New Street Renewal of life expired signalling Various 2021 Improved capacity, performance and NR renewals In delivery resignalling equipment in the Birmingham New operational flexibility Street Power Signal Box control area. Coventry Station improvements Provision of second access to the station, RBS1 CP6 Improved station facilities and Local In delivery improved facilities and interchange. interchange Enterprise Partnership NUCKLE Phase 1 - Provision of bay platform at Coventry CNN CP5/6 Increased capacity DfT, Local In development package 2 station, loop at Three Spires to enable Enterprise enhanced frequency between Coventry Partnership and Nuneaton. Birmingham New Street Replacement of all wayfinding signage Various 2022 Enhanced passenger experience, giving DfT SOEF wayfinding station staff versatility in signage SRS M.06 Birmingham New Street July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 107 to Wolverhampton SRS M.07 Wolverhampton to Stafford

Geographic Maps Route specification description SRS M.06 and M.07 connect Birmingham New Street station with Wolverhampton and Stafford. These Strategic Route Sections are predominantly two track electrified railway. This route serves long-distance business and leisure services to London, the North West, and Scotland. The regional urban market supports commuters and leisure travellers to Stafford, Wolverhampton and Birmingham city centres. Wolverhampton station is at the centre of the route and links the two Strategic Route Sections. It serves as an interchange station for passengers travelling on both local and intercity services, and offers an alternative interchange location to Birmingham New Street. Local commuter, suburban and intercity services all operate to Wolverhampton, making it a very busy station serving over 4 million passengers per annum. Smethwick Galton Bridge station is an interchange offering services to Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Solihull, Leamington and the Stratford-upon-Avon lines. A Network Rail maintenance depot is located at Sandwell and Dudley. Wolverhampton Steel Terminal is located on the approach to Wolverhampton station at Monmore Green. The terminal handles steel, typically arriving from the North East of England. Phase 2 of the West Midlands Metro expansion will see Dudley Port become an interchange between light and heavy rail. SRS M.06 Birmingham New Street to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 108 Wolverhampton SRS M.07 Wolverhampton to Stafford

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Rugby to Penkridge via Birmingham (in part) Penkridge station to Trent Valley Junction No 1 (Stafford) Section start Birmingham New Street station Section end Trent Valley Junction No 1 Route availability† RA8 Gauge† Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton W8 Wolverhampton to Stafford W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton varying linespeed Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with of 40 mph, 60/65 mph, 75 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Wolverhampton to Stafford linespeed is 90 mph with an EPS of 125 mph Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton 17 to 25 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Birmingham New Street to Stafford 29 to 33 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton 11 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Birmingham New Street to Stafford 3 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.06 Birmingham New Street to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 109 Wolverhampton SRS M.07 Wolverhampton to Stafford

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Birmingham New Street Renewal of life expired equipment in RBS2 2021 Improved capacity, NR CP6 In delivery resignalling Birmingham New Street Power Signal performance and operational Renewals Box control area and transfer of control flexibility to the West Midlands Signalling Centre.. Wolverhampton station Improved concourse facility and RBS2, RBS3 2021 Improved station facilities and Local In delivery upgrade integration with Metro tram system. interchanges Enterprise Partnership, DfT West Midlands Interchange Third party scheme to establish a new RBS3 Medium term Increased freight terminal Third Party In development (freight terminal) freight terminal at Four Ashes, between capacity Wolverhampton and Penkridge. SRS M.08 Birmingham New Street July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 110 to Barnt Green SRS M.09 Barnt Green to Stoke Works Junction SRS M.19 Redditch to Barnt Green SRS M.21 Camp Hill line

Route specification description Geographic Maps The route between Birmingham New Street and Stoke Works Junction is a highly used route, known as the cross city south. It is predominantly a two track railway with partial electrification; electrification covers the line to Bromsgrove and Redditch but does not include the Camp Hill lines. Between Kings Norton and Longbridge the route is four-track. The route supports high frequency cross-city commuter services, regional urban services to Worcester and Hereford, long distance cross country services and a number of significant freight flows. Cross city services operate to all stations between Birmingham New Street and Barnt Green, usually on a 10-minute frequency on weekdays alternating to Redditch and Bromsgrove; and, combined with the cross-city north, form the busiest local rail corridor within the West Midlands. The key stations along this route are Selly Oak, Bromsgrove, Redditch and University. University serves over 2.3 million passengers each year, attracted by the Birmingham university campus and nearby Queen Elizabeth hospital. The main route from Barnt Green Junction is two track. It continues down the Lickey Incline towards Bromsgrove station where electrification ends. The Lickey Incline is one of the steepest sections of main line railway in the United Kingdom, and has a 1 in 37.7 gradient for a distance of two miles. Some freight trains require the assistance of a banking locomotive to reach the top. Moseley Tunnel is a gauge constraint on the Camp Hill route. SRS M.21 is the Camp Hill line which runs from Kings Norton Station and Lifford Junctions to St Andrews and Grand Junctions. The line is used by freight services and by long distance services, and as a diversionary route when the line from Kings Norton to Birmingham New Street via University is blocked. It is a two track line and is not electrified. SRS M.08 Birmingham New Street to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 111 Barnt Green SRS M.09 Barnt Green to Stoke Works Junction SRS M.19 Redditch to Barnt Green SRS M.21 Camp Hill line

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Birmingham New Street to Ashchurch via Dunhampstead (in part) Barnt Green Junction to Redditch Saltley (Landor Street Junction) to Kings Norton (Camp Hill lines) Section start Birmingham New Street Landor St Junction / Grand Junction Section end Stoke Works Junction Redditch station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8 except for Kings Norton/Lifford Junctions to Bordesley Junction (W7) and Bordesley Junction to St Andrews Junction (W10) Barnt Green to Redditch W6a Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Varying speeds, predominantly 60 mph to Kings Norton, 90 Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with mph to Bromsgrove, 60 mph on the Camp Hill lines. infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Partially 25kV OHL, remainder not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS M.08 Birmingham New Street to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 112 Barnt Green SRS M.09 Barnt Green to Stoke Works Junction SRS M.19 Redditch to Barnt Green SRS M.21 Camp Hill line

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham New Street to Redditch 39 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Birmingham New Street to Bromsgrove 20 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham New Street to Redditch 3 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Birmingham New Street to Bromsgrove 4 tph aspirations and market requirements.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date University station Refurbishment BAG1 CP6 New station building WMRE/DfT In design Camp Hill line New stations at Moseley, Kings Heath SKN 2024 Half-hourly new service from WMRE In development and Hazelwell Birmingham New Street to Kings Norton via new stations Midlands Rail Hub - central Bordesley Chords, new platforms at Moor Various CP7 Up to 10 additional passenger DfT In development Birmingham enhancements Street and Snow Hill, wider approach to paths into and through central Moor Street Birmingham Midlands Rail Hub - Kings Reinstatement of central island BAG1 CP7 Improved interchange DfT In development Norton enhancements platforms, improved station facilities, opportunities at Kings Norton and remodelled junction layout. Potential for provision of turnback facility. SRS M.10 Birmingham New Street July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 113 to Wichnor Junction SRS M.22 Water Orton to Nuneaton

Geographic Maps Route specification description The lines between Birmingham New Street and Wichnor Junction The line between Water Orton East Junction and Whitacre Junction and Birmingham New Street and Nuneaton, which form Strategic to Kingsbury Junction (slow lines) is also used as a diversionary route Route Sections M.10 and M.22, are key corridors linking the West for services if the line between Water Orton East Junction to Midlands to the East Midlands and beyond. The route between Kingsbury Junction (fast lines) is blocked. Birmingham New Street and Wichnor Junction forms one of the Impact of HS2 : The HS2 route to Birmingham will run adjacent to busiest mixed traffic corridors in the West Midlands. the Water Orton corridor, on its new line into Curzon Street station. The markets served include the long distance market linking the North East with the Midlands, South West England and South Wales. The regional urban market includes commuters from Tamworth to Birmingham. There are significant freight flows on the route to and from local terminals and marshalling yards; and a substantial volume of freight traffic also uses the route to and from locations outside of the Midlands. The key stations on these routes are Coleshill Parkway, and Tamworth. Tamworth station provides an interchange with services on the West Coast Main Line. Constraints: There is a capacity constraint in the Water Orton area, including the layout of the station area which creates traffic conflicts. The restrictive access arrangements into the oil terminal at Kingsbury is also a capacity constraint. There are several major freight terminals and sites on Strategic Route Sections M.10 and M.22 including Lawley Street Freightliner terminal, Jaguar at Castle Bromwich, Hams Hall Euroterminal, Kingsbury freight terminals, and Birch Coppice. Entry into Kingsbury terminal from the north direction is currently restricted leading to slow access in and out of the Kingsbury branch and Birch Coppice. SRS M.10 Birmingham to Wichnor Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 114 SRS M.22 Water Orton to Nuneaton

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Tamworth to Birmingham, Proof House Junction Kingsbury Junction to Whitacre Junction Water Orton East Junction to Nuneaton North Junction Section start Birmingham, Proof House Junction Section end Wichnor Junction Nuneaton North Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8, W10 W10 / W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominant linespeed 90/125 mph Birmingham to Wichnor. Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Whitacre Junction to Kingsbury Junction 45 mph. infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Water Orton to Nuneaton is predominantly 70 mph. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham New Street to Tamworth 16 to 19 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed A certain number of long distance services serve time Birmingham New Street to Nuneaton 28 to 30 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Tamworth and Nuneaton.

All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham New Street to Tamworth 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Birmingham New Street to Nuneaton 2 tph aspirations and market requirements.

Cross-Country services pass through non-stop on this corridor. Service levels will increase in line with the outputs of the Midland Rail Hub project. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.10 Birmingham to Wichnor Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 115 SRS M.22 Water Orton to Nuneaton

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Water Orton Corridor - HS2 Works to facilitate the construction of DBP1 CP6-7 Building of HS2 adjacent to the HS2 In development enabling works the HS2 route DBP2 existing rail network Midlands Rail Hub - central Bordesley Chords, new platforms at Moor Various CP7 Up to 10 additional passenger DfT In development Birmingham enhancements Street and Snow Hill, four track approach paths into and through central to Moor Street Birmingham Midlands Rail Hub - Water Orton Four tracking and improved segregation DBP1 CP7 Increased capacity, improved DfT In development capacity enhancements of passenger and freight flows. Improve DBP2 performance and support signalling headway, improve access from additional passenger and the north to Kingsbury terminal freight services Birmingham to Nuneaton and Electrification of the route between DBP3 Medium term Decision to Initiate then Wigston electrification Grand Junction and Nuneaton via NWO Coleshill SRS M.11 Oxford to Coventry July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 116 SRS M.23 Nuneaton to Coventry

Geographic Maps Route specification description The route between Oxford and Coventry (SRS M.11) is a connecting Many freight services are routed via Leamington Spa and Coventry corridor, which forms part of longer distance cross country routes to reach freight terminals in the surrounding area and also to travel between the North and the South. to key locations beyond the West Midlands. SRS M.11 supports long distance market flows between the South, Freight services operate to the Murco Petroleum and Prologis Park and Manchester and the North East. It also forms a key component terminals and also use the line to connect from Leamington Spa to of the London Marylebone to West Midlands services. Services from the West Coast Main Line via Nuneaton. Lafarge Aggregates have a Banbury to London Marylebone support the London and South East terminal at Banbury Reservoir Sidings. market. Regional urban flows serve the key towns and cities on the route, supporting commuting and leisure. The route also supports the freight market, including flows between Southampton and the West Coast Main Line. SRS M.23 links Nuneaton and Coventry, supporting a local passenger service and through freight flows connecting to the West Coast Main Line. Part of the route between Coventry and Leamington Spa is single track, which constrains capacity over the route. Consideration is being given to double tracking the route in order to meet future capacity requirements. Other constraints include Leamington station and the low line speeds on the Coventry to Nuneaton line. The key stations on these SRS are Leamington Spa, Coventry and Oxford. SRS M.11 Oxford to Coventry July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 117 SRS M.23 Nuneaton to Coventry

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Coventry North Junction to Nuneaton South Junction Leamington Spa Junction to Coventry South Junction Heyford to Bordesley Junction (in part) Didcot to Heyford (in part) Section start Heyford Nuneaton South Junction Section end Coventry Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Coventry North Junction to Nuneaton South Junction 45 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Leamington Spa Junction to Coventry South Jn 60/80 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Heyford to Bordesley Junction (in part) 70/ 90/95 mph Didcot to Heyford (in part) 90/ 95 mph Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 14 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Coventry to Leamington Spa 11 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Coventry to Nuneaton 18 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Coventry to Banbury 29 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Coventry to Leamington Spa 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Coventry to Nuneaton 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. Coventry to Banbury 1 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.11 Oxford to Coventry July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 118 SRS M.23 Nuneaton to Coventry

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Nuneaton to Coventry service Provision of a bay platform at Coventry CNN CP6 Increased capacity and new Third Party In development enhancements (NUCKLE) phase station, and signalling improvements service opportunities 1 b facilitates half hourly passenger train service frequency Leamington to Coventry Doubling of single line section between LSC2 CP7 Increased capacity TBC In development capacity enhancements Milverton Junction and Kenilworth to increase capacity on the line. Banbury depot Extension of the existing automatic DCL 2022 Capacity for new HS2 funded DfT SOEF depot control system roads SRS M.13 Stechford to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 119 Wolverhampton via Aston SRS M.18 Rugeley to Bescot SRS M.24 Soho Junctions to Perry Route specification description Strategic Route Sections M.13, M.18 and M.24 make up the Rugeley, It is recognised that this is a busy corridor for freight traffic, serving a Barr Junctions Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street route, including the number of freight yards including Bescot Yards and Mid-Cannock for section between Aston to Stechford which connects two corridors the transportation of intermodal containers. West Midlands Trains (Cross City and West Coast Main Line). These route sections form have a proposal for an electric train depot at Bescot. important diversionary routes for both passenger and freight traffic. If the route section between Pleck Junction and Rugeley Trent Valley The Rugeley and Walsall corridor serves a busy commuter market is closed, there are no alternative options for local passenger into Birmingham New Street from Rugeley Trent Valley, Cannock and services. However, freight services heading north would generally Walsall. divert via Bushbury Junction and south bound traffic via Aston Junctions or Birmingham New Street for W8 traffic. The key stations on these SRS are Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley, where passengers can interchange with local and WCML services. No regular passenger services operate between Stechford and Aston.

Geographic Maps SRS M.13 Stechford to Wolverhampton via July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 120 Aston SRS M.18 Rugeley to Bescot SRS M.24 Soho Junctions to Perry Barr Junctions

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Stechford South Junction to Aston South Junction Proof House Junction to Bushbury Junction (via Bescot) (in part) Bescot Junction to Rugeley North Junction (Excl) Rugeley Town (Excl.) to Rugeley North Junction Portobello Junction to Wolverhampton Crane Street Junction Soho South Junction to Perry Barr North Junction Section start Stechford Rugeley Soho South Junction Section end Wolverhampton Bescot Junction Perry Barr Route availability† RA8 Gauge† Stechford to Wolverhampton via Aston W9 / W10 W10 Rugeley to Bescot W10 Soho Junctions to Perry Barr W8 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Stechford to Wolverhampton via Aston 75 mph M.18: 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Rugeley to Bescot 50/60 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Soho Junctions to Perry Barr 45 mph Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 3 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS M.13 Stechford to Wolverhampton via July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 121 Aston SRS M.18 Rugeley to Bescot SRS M.24 Soho Junctions to Perry Barr Junctions

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Walsall to Birmingham New Street 23 to 29 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Walsall to Aston 17 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Rugeley Trent Valley to Birmingham New Street 50 to 53 mins No. of passenger trains per hour Walsall to Birmingham New Street 4 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Walsall to Aston 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. Rugeley Trent Valley to Birmingham New Street 2 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date New station at Aldridge. Battery EMU between Rycroft and CBR2 CP6-7 Improved connectivity Third Party Study West Midlands and Chilterns Aldridge, new turnback platform and Route Study presents the latest associated facilities business case analysis. New stations at Willenhall and 2024 Improved connectivity In development Darlaston Perry Barr station Refurbishment SRS M.14 Birmingham Snow Hill to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 122 Stourbridge Junction SRS M.25 Stourbridge Town branch

Geographic Maps Route specification description Strategic Route Section M.14 is a busy commuter corridor within the West Midlands, connecting towns in the Black Country with Birmingham city centre. This SRS serves the Worcester, Kidderminster and Stourbridge markets, with a long distance service to London Marylebone in the peaks. It also serves the regional urban market from local Black Country stations into Birmingham Snow Hill. The route has significant freight operations, with freight yards located at Handsworth, Round Oak, and Brierley Hill. Key services are metals and metal recycling and vehicle recycling. Birmingham Snow Hill is a terminus for local commuter services into Birmingham and is also a key destination on the Chiltern Main Line. Stourbridge Junction station is an important station on the route, with six trains an hour calling on route to various locations in the West Midlands and beyond. Stourbridge Town branch line also runs from the station to Stourbridge Town Centre (Strategic Route Section M.25). Services on his single-track branch line are operated by very light rail vehicles. Old Hill tunnel is an important structure on the route and is located between Old Hill and Rowley Regis stations. This forms a constraint to running higher gauge freight traffic. The route between Snow Hill and Stourbridge Junction is not electrified. Chiltern Railways operate a Light Maintenance Depot (LMD) at Stourbridge for stabling and basic service preparation. These are to the north of Stourbridge Junction station, and are used to stable various maintenance vehicles and trains. There are two network sidings in use for stabling at Birmingham Snow Hill which can be accessed from Platform 1. SRS M.14 Birmingham Snow Hill to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 123 Stourbridge Junction SRS M.25 Stourbridge Town branch

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Small Heath South Junction to Stourbridge North Junction (in part) Droitwich Spa to Stourbridge North Junction (in part) Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town Section start Birmingham Snow Hill station Section end Stourbridge Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8, with the exception of the down line between Rowley Regis and Stourbridge North Junction and Old Hill Tunnel (W7) Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Stourbridge Town branch line: One Train Working Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town 20 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 2 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction 26-31 minutes All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Stourbridge Town to Stourbridge Junction 3 minutes Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham Snow Hill to Stourbridge Junction 6 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Stourbridge Town to Stourbridge Junction 6 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.14 Birmingham Snow Hill to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 124 Stourbridge Junction SRS M.25 Stourbridge Town branch

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Midlands Rail Hub - central Bordesley Chords, new platforms at Moor Various CP7 Up to 10 additional passenger DfT In development Birmingham enhancements Street and Snow Hill, four track approach paths into and through central to Moor Street Birmingham SRS M.15 Stourbridge Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 125 Worcester and Hereford

Geographic Maps Route specification description The route is predominantly a two track, non-electrified railway which supports the commuter market from north Worcestershire and the Black Country into the West Midlands. The SRS serves large conurbations such as Kidderminster and Stourbridge; and southwards it offers services from Hereford to Birmingham via Bromsgrove and Hereford to London Paddington via Worcester. There are a small number of daily freight services on this SRS, including steel to Round Oak; there is no regular freight west of Worcester. Key stations on the route include Kidderminster, Worcester Foregate Street, Worcester Shrub Hill, Great Malvern and Hereford. Kidderminster station serves the regional urban commuter market into Stourbridge and Birmingham and southwards to Droitwich Spa and Worcester. Worcester has two stations, Foregate Street and Shrub Hill. Foregate Street is situated closer to Worcester city centre and serves over two million passengers annually. Both stations serve the regional urban market to Birmingham and Hereford and with long distance services to London Paddington. Worcester Shrub Hill station is situated further away from the city and is the larger of the two stations. Worcester Shrub Hill has a light maintenance depot which undertakes light maintenance activities and train preparation. There is also a Network Rail maintenance depot at Worcester Shrub Hill supporting track and signalling activities. Hereford station serves the regional urban market to Birmingham and has long distance services to London Paddington via Worcester. It is an interchange station with the Welsh Marches Line with services between Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff or Carmarthen. Two single line sections between Worcester and Hereford, together with the track layout around central Worcester, constrain capacity. The Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster is a significant tourist attraction operating steam train services between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. SRS M.15 Stourbridge Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 126 Worcester and Hereford

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Stourbridge Junction to regional boundary (Cutnall Green) Cutnall Green to Droitwich Spa Junction Abbotswood Junction to Stoke Works Junction via Worcester Shrub Hill (in part) Worcester Shrub Hill to Shelwick Junction Severn Bridge Junction to Newport, Maindee West Junction (in part) Section start Stourbridge Junction station Section end Hereford station Route availability† Stourbridge Junction to Worcester Shrub Hill RA8 Worcester Triangle to Shelwick Junction RA7 Shelwick Junction to Hereford RA8 Gauge† Stourbridge Junction to Worcester Shrub Hill W8 W10 Worcester to Hereford W6 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Stourbridge Junction to Worcester Tunnel Junction 65-75 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Worcester Triangle 35 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Worcester Foregate Street to Hereford 65-75 mph Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 6 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS M.15 Stourbridge Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 127 Worcester and Hereford

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham Snow Hill to Kidderminster 45 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Birmingham Snow Hill to Worcester Foregate Street/Worcester improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Shrub Hill 53 minutes Birmingham New Street to Hereford 85 minutes Worcester Shrub Hill to Malvern – from Bristol via Gloucester 16 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham Snow Hill to Kidderminster 4 tph, of which 2 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) continue to Worcester aspirations and market requirements. Birmingham New Street to Hereford 1 tph Worcester Shrub Hill to Malvern – from Bristol via Gloucester 1 train every 2 hours No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Worcester area resignalling Replacement of signalling in the Various Medium term Improved operational flexibility, Network Rail In development Worcester area, with opportunities for improved layout in the renewals improved track layouts. Signalling Worcester area control to be moved to the West Midlands Signalling Centre Worcester area enhancements Aligned with the future resignalling there Various Medium term Improved operational flexibility In development is an opportunity to undertake targeted and performance enhancements in the Worcester area Midlands Rail Hub Capacity improvements Worcester - CP7 To enable 2 tph to Hereford DfT In development Hereford SRS M.16 Stratford-upon- July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 128 Avon lines

Geographic Maps Route specification description The Stratford-upon-Avon lines link the city of Birmingham with Stratford-upon-Avon, and also include the single branch line between Hatton Junction and Bearley Junction. The line serves a regional urban market supporting access to jobs and leisure. Stratford-upon-Avon is a nationally important tourism centre. Services operate frequently between Birmingham, Whitlocks End and Stratford-upon-Avon but infrequently between Stratford- upon-Avon and Hatton. There are a number of long distance services each day from Stratford-upon-Avon to London Marylebone. There are no freight markets on this SRS. Key stations are Stratford-upon-Avon, Shirley, and Whitlocks End. Stratford-upon-Avon has just under 1 million passengers annually. A new station Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway was opened in May 2013, and a Birmingham to Dorridge service extended in December 2013 to form a new Dorridge to Stratford upon Avon service. This route is non-electrified and has a single line between Hatton and Bearley Junction. The SRS also has a number of request stop only stations. SRS M.16 Stratford-upon-Avon lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 129

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Hatton station to Stratford-upon-Avon Tyseley South Junction to Bearley Junction Section start Tyseley South Junction / Hatton station Section end Stratford-upon-Avon station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 9 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS M.16 Stratford-upon-Avon lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 130

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon 55 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham to Whitlocks End 2 tph, of which 1 tph continues to Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Stratford -upon-Avon aspirations and market requirements. Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon via Dorridge 1 tph Stratford-upon-Avon to Leamington Spa via Hatton 1 train every 2 hours No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Geographic Maps Route specification description Strategic Route Section M.17 runs between Proof House Junction in Birmingham and Lichfield Trent Valley, and is known as the Cross- City North line. The route goes north from Aston Junctions, where the line between Wolverhampton and Stechford North Junction crosses. The route is electrified. This SRS serves the regional urban market to the north of Birmingham. Combined with the Cross-City South line, it is the busiest local rail corridor within the West Midlands, with a ten minute weekday service from the majority of stations. Key stations on this route include Lichfield City and Sutton Coldfield. Lichfield City has 650,000 passengers annually. Aston station is an interchange serving both the Cross-City line and the Walsall Line (from Wolverhampton to Walsall via Birmingham New Street). Lichfield Trent Valley provides an interchange with the West Coast Main Line. The junctions at Aston are a constraint on capacity on the route. On the line between Proof House and Aston Junctions, there is a former wagon workshop and stabling yard situated at Duddeston. This location is being considered as a potential site for new stabling facilities in the West Midlands. SRS M.17 Cross-City North July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 132

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Proof House Junction to Bushbury Junction (via Bescot) (in part) Aston North Junction to Alrewas (in part) Section start Proof House Junction, Birmingham Section end Lichfield Trent Valley Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8 W10 / W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Lichfield Trent Valley Junction is the limit of electrification. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham New Street to Four Oaks 26 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley 40 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham New Street to Four Oaks 6 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City 4 tph aspirations and market requirements. Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley 2 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.17 Cross-City North July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 133

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Birmingham New Street Renew all life expired signalling PBJ CP6 Improved performance and Network Rail In development resignalling equipment in the Birmingham New operational flexibility Renewals Street Power Signal Box (PSB) control area and transfer control to West Midlands Signalling control centre. The boundaries of the project includes Aston. Aston re-control Cross City North re-control (Aston to ALC1 CP6 Improved performance and Network Rail In development Lichfield Trent Valley station) re-control ALC2 operational flexibility Renewals signalling area to West Midlands BJW3 Signalling control centre SRS M.20 Wolverhampton July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 134 to Shrewsbury

Geographic Maps Route specification description The line between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury is a two track railway which provides a vital rail link from mid-Wales and Shropshire to the West Midlands. The SRS serves a mix of traffic, rolling stock types and is not electrified. Markets served include the regional urban market from Shropshire towns to and from Wolverhampton and Birmingham. The route also forms a key corridor for the long distance market from north and mid- Wales, to Birmingham and Birmingham Airport. Ironbridge at the southerly edge of Telford is a major tourist attraction and there is a significant tourism market at Shrewsbury. Passenger train services on this route have been growing at more than 5% per annum. This SRS forms a key freight diversionary route. Telford International Railfreight Park (TIRP) is located at Donnington. Key stations along the route include Wolverhampton (an interchange station), Wellington, Telford and Shrewsbury. The line is not electrified other than the extent from Wolverhampton North Junction into Oxley Depot. Oxley Chord is a non-electrified chord line which runs between Oxley (Stafford Road Junction) and Bushbury Junction, providing a direct route from Shrewsbury to Stafford. SRS M.20 Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 135

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Oxley Stafford Road Junction to Bushbury Junction (Oxley Chord Lines) Wolverhampton North Junction to Abbey Foregate Abbey Foregate to Ruabon (in part) Section start Bushbury Junction / Wolverhampton North Junction Section end Shrewsbury station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† Wolverhampton North Junction to Donnington Junction W6a Donnington Junction to Abbey Foregate W7 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 50-70 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury 55-70 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury 36/50 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury 3 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.20 Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 136

Geographic Maps Route specification description Strategic Route Section M.99 is split into two sections - freight trunk Kingsbury Junction to Birch Coppice routes and other freight lines. Both include freight branch lines. The route which provides rail access to Kingsbury Oil terminal, Freight trunk routes include the key freight corridors within the European Metal Recycling and Birmingham International Freight West Midlands area which provide dedicated freight paths. These Terminal (Freightliner) at Birch Coppice is known as the Kingsbury corridors have no stations and enable freight flows to operate Branch. The branch is currently only accessible from the south, without major conflict with passenger services. requiring a 15-18 minutes timetable slot for trains from the north to propel on and off the branch at 5 mph. The key trunk routes comprise: Lichfield Trent Valley Junction to Wichnor Junction, including Lichfield Trent Valley curve The route runs via Alrewas to Wichnor Junction and is not electrified. The route is used as a freight route and also for access to a maintenance depot at Central Rivers. When engineering work takes place between Birmingham New Street and Tamworth, the route can be used for diversionary purposes. Lichfield Trent Valley curve is a single track chord connecting to the West Coast Main Line. The route is not electrified and is primarily a freight route and used for engineering access. Castle Bromwich Junction to Ryecroft Junction via Sutton Park This is a freight only route that connects Walsall to Castle Bromwich and Water Orton, and enables most freight trains to avoid congestion through Birmingham New Street station. It runs through Sutton Park at Sutton Coldfield. St Andrews Junction to Landor Street Junction to Castle Bromwich Junction The route supports significant volumes of through freight traffic and to local terminals including Lawley Street Freightliner terminal. The route is double track between St Andrews Junction and Landor Street Junction, then becomes four track railway with dedicated goods lines from Landor Street to Castle Bromwich Junction. The Midlands Rail Hub project will introduce regular passenger services to this section. SRS M.99 Freight Lines - Trunk Routes July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 138 Lichfield Trent Valley Junction to Wichnor Junction including Lichfield Trent Valley curve

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Alrewas to Wichnor Junction Aston North Junction to Alrewas (part) Lichfield Trent Valley Junction to Lichfield Trent Valley (chord line) Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W12 other than Lichfield Trent Valley curve which is W8 Signals† Absolute Block (Lichfield Trent Valley Signal Box) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Track Circuit Block (Alrewas Signal Box) Management System (ERTMS). Track Circuit Block (Rugby Signal Control Centre) Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph (30 mph through Wichnor Junction) Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 8 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.99 Freight Lines - Trunk Routes July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 139 Castle Bromwich Junction to Ryecroft Junction via Sutton Park (including Water Orton West Junction to Park Lane Junction)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Water Orton West Junction to Park Lane Junction Castle Bromwich Junction to Ryecroft Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Water Orton West Junction to Park Lane Junction 30 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Castle Bromwich Junction to Ryecroft Junction 45 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.99 Freight Lines - Trunk Routes July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 140 St Andrews Junction to Landor Street Junction to Castle Bromwich Junction

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Saltley (Landor Street Junction) to King’s Norton Junction (Camp Hill Lines) (part) Tamworth to Birmingham Proof House Junction (part) Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Main line 40 mph (slow) / 75 mph (fast) increasing to 75 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with after Washwood Heath West Junction infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Down Goods line 40 mph Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.99 Freight Lines - Trunk Routes July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 141 Kingsbury Junction to Birch Coppice

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Tamworth to Birmingham Proof House Junction (part) Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8 W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 5 mph into the branch Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Improve access into the branch from the north so that it removes 15 mph Birch Coppice Exchange sidings infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. the need for a time consuming shunt move on the main line Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.99 Other Freight July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 142 Lines

Geographic Maps Route specification description In addition to the freight trunk routes that run within Route M, there are a number of other freight lines which support freight traffic flows within the route: Aylesbury to Claydon LNE Junction Claydon LNE Junction to Bletchley The route is single track with a set of loops into the Waste Recycling The section of line beyond Claydon LNE Junction to Bletchley is Group’s Calvert Waste Transfer terminal. The terminal is served by currently out of use. The East West Rail Phase 2 project will see this freight trains carrying containerised domestic waste which are route re-opened to passenger and freight services in CP6. transported to the site for landfill. Freight trains run to the terminal from the Aylesbury and Bicester Village directions. Madeley Junction to Ironbridge The Madeley branch is accessed from the Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury line at Madeley Junction. Ironbridge Power Station (which was operated by E.ON UK) has recently closed. Currently, the future use of the branch line is under review. Stourbridge North Junction to Round Oak Steel terminal The section between Stourbridge and Round Oak is used by freight traffic to access Round Oak steel terminal.

Other lines within the West Midlands and Chilterns Route which are classed as ‘other freight routes’ include the access routes and sidings for the following freight sites: • Northolt Waste Transfer Terminal • Saltley EMR • Coventry Prologis Park • Bordesley STVA and Aggregates • Bescot Yards SRS M.99 Other Freight Lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 143 Aylesbury to Claydon L&NE Junction

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Aylesbury to Claydon L&NE Junction Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6a W10 W8 prohibited between former Calvert Junction and Claydon L&NE Junction. W7 W8 15 mph at Bridge No.179 [42m 76ch] on Single Line. Signals† Electric Token Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 30 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Improve access into the branch from the north so that it removes infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. the need for a time consuming shunt move on the main line Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.99 Other Freight Lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 144 Madeley Junction to Ironbridge

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Madeley Junction to Ironbridge National Power Station Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W6a W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 25 mph Electrification† Not electrified. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS M.99 Other Freight Lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 145 Stourbridge North Junction to Round Oak

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Stourbridge North Junction to Round Oak via Kingswinford Junction South Route availability† RA8 Gauge† W8 W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block (TCB) Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 10-15 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified. 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details.

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. Route N: West Coast Main July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 146 Line

SRS N.01 Euston to Rugby 147 SRS N.02 Rugby to Stafford 151 SRS N.03 Stafford to Crewe 155 SRS N.04 Crewe to Preston 159 SRS N.05 Preston to the Scottish Border (near Gretna Junction) 163 SRS N.06 The Scottish Border to Carstairs South Junction 167 SRS N.07 Weaver Junction to Liverpool South Parkway 170 SRS N.08 Norton Bridge/Colwich Junction to Cheadle Hulme 173 SRS N.09 Crewe to Kidsgrove 176 SRS N.10 Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey 179 SRS N.11 Euston to Watford Junction (DC Lines) 182 SRS N.12 Bletchley to Bedford 186 SRS N.13 Crewe to Chester 189 SRS N.99 Freight lines 192

Interface with other routes (refer to separate Strategic Route Specifications documents) Scotland Route: SRS Q.01 Glasgow Central to Carstairs Sussex Route: SRS B.13 West London Line - Milton Keynes to East/South Croydon Anglia Route: SRS E.01 Richmond to Willesden Junction - Acton Branch (freight line) SRS E.02 North London Line - Willesden Junction to Gospel Oak LUL Network: Bakerloo Line on DC lines - Harrow & Wealdstone to Queens Park Wales Route: SRS L.04-05 Newport to Crewe SRS L.13-14 Chester to Holyhead East Mids Route: SRS I.01 St Pancras International to Bedford SRS I.11 North Staffs Junction to Stoke-on-Trent SRS N.01 Euston to Rugby July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 147

Geographic Map Arriva Rail London operates services on the London Overground Constraints: There are a number of tunnels between London and network on the DC lines between Watford Junction and London Rugby which act as a capacity constraint. Capacity is also Euston. Arriva Rail London services also interface at Willesden constrained on the St Albans Abbey single line due to the one train Junction with the North London Line (Anglia Route) services to working operation; and by single line sections on the Marston Vale Gospel Oak and Stratford. London Underground Ltd services line. operate on the DC lines between Harrow and Wealdstone and Key stations: The key stations on the route include: Queens Park and then into central London via the Bakerloo Line. Two branches feed the southern end of the West Coast Main Line Station Line Footfall p.a. (WCML), the St. Albans Abbey line which joins the WCML at Watford (2018/19) ORR data Junction and the Marston Vale line which joins the WCML at London Euston Fast 46.1 million Bletchley. Both are designated as 'Community Rail' lines. Watford Junction Fast 8.5 million This route plays a key role in distributing freight traffic that has Milton Keynes Fast 7.0 million arrived in the UK via the Channel Tunnel and deep sea ports. Traffic operates to a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Daventry, which Rugby Fast 2.7 million continues to expand its facilities as the freight warehousing and distribution markets grow. High Speed 2: In 2017, the Government passed the Hybrid Bill for Capability: This route section is 82 miles long, electrified, and is a Royal Assent to begin construction of High Speed Two (HS2). HS2 four track railway from London Euston to just north of Hanslope will provide increased capacity between London, the Midlands and Junction near Roade. Here, the four track railway diverges, with two the North. Phase 1 of the HS2 line will create a high speed link Route specification description tracks going direct to Rugby and two going via Northampton. The between London Euston and Birmingham, and is currently planned 23 mile loop via Northampton to Rugby is an electrified two track to open in 2029. When the HS2 line is opened, it will release capacity Euston to Rugby is focused on long-distance and commuter markets railway, with a line speed of 75 mph. The four track section from on this SRS for both passenger and freight services. to and from London, together with key freight services and flows Euston to Hanslope Junction has a mix of fast and slow lines: the serving more northerly destinations. Long-distance passenger fast lines operate with 125 mph Enhanced Permissible Speeds (EPS), services are operated between London Euston and Glasgow Central with between 75 mph and 100 mph permissible speeds on the slow and Edinburgh, to the West Midlands (Coventry, Birmingham and lines. The EPS facility allows trains that are fitted with a ‘tilt’ system Wolverhampton), Manchester Piccadilly (via Crewe and Stoke), mechanism to operate faster than conventional trains and hence Liverpool, Chester and North Wales. Some services have additional offer shorter journey times. The SRS also includes the section of line stops during peak times to serve intermediate stations on the route that runs from Wembley Yard South Junction towards Mitre Bridge between Rugby and Stafford. Overnight sleeper trains run from Junction which allows trains going to and from the West London Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Fort William, Aberdeen, and Line to pass under the WCML. Inverness. There are a significant number of freight terminals, depots and Regional urban services operate between London Euston and Tring, sidings on this route, including Wembley Freight Operating Centre, Milton Keynes Central, Northampton, Birmingham New Street and Stonebridge Park Royal Mail terminal, and Daventry Strategic Rail Crewe via Stoke on Trent. An hourly service operates between East Freight Interchange. Maintenance depots, stabling and carriage and South Croydon and Milton Keynes Central via Kensington sidings on the route are located at Camden, Wembley, Willesden, Olympia although in certain hours the service begins at Clapham Bletchley, and Northampton Riverside and Northampton Kings Junction, and only operates as far as Watford Junction. This line is Heath Depot. known as the West London Line and has Southern services operating on it. SRS N.01 Euston to Rugby July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 148

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Euston to Armitage Junction (Exclusive) (in part) Hanslope Junction to Rugby (via Northampton) Section start London Euston station Section end Rugby station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast lines (except Northampton loop) Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 125 mph EPS on Fast lines Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with A review of the WCML capacity and line speeds, as HS2 released Between 75 mph and 100 mph Permissible Speed on Slow lines infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. capacity workstream Northampton loop predominantly 75 mph Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 1 (Wolverton Works Siding) As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.01 Euston to Rugby July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 149

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Fast services: Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from London to: Watford Junction 14 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Milton Keynes Central 30 minutes Rugby 48 minutes

Semi-fast services: Watford Junction 47 minutes Hemel Hempstead 24 minutes Berkhamsted 28 minutes Bletchley 36 minutes Milton Keynes Central 30 minutes Rugby 1 hr 22 minutes

Northampton 51 minutes

Milton Keynes/(Mitre Bridge Junction) to Croydon 40 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) from London to: Manchester 3 tph aspirations and market requirements. Birmingham 3 tph (1 tph through to Scotland) Liverpool 1 tph Chester/North Wales 1 tph Scotland (Glasgow/Edinburgh alternate) 1 tph Crewe (via Trent Valley) 1 tph

Regional urban: Birmingham 3 tph (via Northampton) Milton Keynes Central 2 tph Tring 4 tph

Milton Keynes Central to East/South Croydon 1 tph

Sleeper: Highland: Euston via Edinburgh to Fort William, Aberdeen, Inverness 1 train per day Lowland: Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh 1 train per day No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS N.01 Euston to Rugby July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 150

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Bushey Traction Supply Enhancement to improve power supply LEC1, NLL 2023 Installation of Autotransformer and NR, DfT RNEP In development Resilience reliability and performance alteration to neutral section resulting in improved power resilience Watford North Junction Reinstatement of currently out-of-use LEC1 2022 Reinstatement of four crossovers at NR (Alpha) In delivery Reinstatement Watford North Junction Watford North, providing additional operational flexibility in the Watford area Watford Fast-to-Fast Crossover Provision of new crossover between fast LEC1 2022 New fast line crossover providing ability NR (Alpha) In delivrey lines at Watford Junction to turn back fast line services from the north at Watford Junction Euston Platform 16 re-provision On Network Works / HS2 removal and LEC1 2023 (removal) Current platform 16 will be removed and HS2 In development re-provision of 16th platform at Euston 2025 (reprovision) re-provided at current specification and length in the space of the existing Euston Middle Sidings (which will be permanently removed) Redevelopment of Euston NR-led scheme to redevelop the LEC1 2030s Full output to be determined but will TBC In development Conventional Station (RECS) conventional Euston station to improve include redevelopment of the station passenger circulation and access with concourse area, platforms and oversite wider Euston campus campus area. Bletchley Station redevelopment Connecting to local developments in the LEC1 2024 Station scheme to improve connections Local Growth In development (East West Rail) station area (third party scheme) to the local businesses in the area Fund and DfT SRS N.02 Rugby to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 151 Stafford

Geographic Map Route specification description The section between Rugby and Stafford is known as the Trent The key stations on this SRS are Nuneaton, Tamworth and Lichfield Valley Line and is served by a mix of traffic types serving a number Trent Valley, which have annual footfall of between 1.1 and 1.4 of key markets. million passengers each. Most of the stations along the route are served by long-distance Constraints: Trent Valley Junction at Stafford is a key junction services to and from London, the North West and Scotland; but constraint, as this is where the line from Birmingham and these are limited in number. Services between key regions are Wolverhampton joins the WCML. The three-track section of railway served by semi-fast services on the slow lines, which operate hourly between Brinklow Junction and Attleborough South Junction between Euston and Crewe. Connectivity is provided to the creates a capacity and planning constraint on this section. Colwich long-distance and commuter markets by good interchange Junction is a capacity constraint on the route due to the number of opportunities at stations along the route: Rugby, Nuneaton, low speed crossovers at this location, particularly for services Tamworth, Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley. operating to Stoke on Trent. Passengers wishing to travel to Birmingham, Coventry, Bedworth, High Speed 2: The new HS2 line is planned to join this SRS at Walsall and the East Midlands, can do so by changing onto Handsacre Junction, just north of Lichfield Trent Valley, and is CrossCountry and West Midlands Trains services at these stations. scheduled to operate high speed services over this section in 2029. There is a mix of freight traffic operating over this section, transporting a variety of products to and from ports and domestic terminals. The section is a 51-mile stretch of electrified track. It is predominantly a four track railway (two fast lines and two slow lines) between Rugby and Colwich Junction, with a seven-mile section of only three track railway between Brinklow Junction and Attleborough South Junction. The main line splits at Colwich Junction, with a two track railway continuing towards Stafford. This section includes a 710 metre long tunnel at Shugborough; the other line goes on to Stoke-on-Trent (SRS N.08). The line becomes a four track railway once again at Whitehouse Junction just south of Stafford. Fast line speeds on this section range from 110 to 125 mph and the slow lines operate at speeds between 60 and 110 mph. SRS N.02 Rugby to Stafford July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 152

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Euston to Armitage Junction (Exclusive) (in part) Armitage Junction (incl.) to Preston Fylde Junction (in part) Section start Rugby station Section end Stafford station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 125 mph EPS on Fast lines Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Predominantly 75 mph Permissible Speed on Slow lines, with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. some sections between 75-110 mph through Tamworth and Lichfield Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.02 Rugby to Stafford July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 153

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Nuneaton 11 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from Rugby to: Atherstone 18 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Tamworth 24 minutes Lichfield Trent Valley 30 minutes Rugeley Trent Valley 39 minutes Stafford 50 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) from London to: Manchester 3 tph aspirations and market requirements. Liverpool 1 tph Chester/North Wales 1 tph Scotland 1 tph Crewe (via Trent Valley) 1 tph

The Euston to Crewe hourly service provides connectivity between a number of regions along the Trent Valley.

Sleeper: Highland: Euston via Edinburgh to Fort William, Aberdeen, Inverness 1 train per day Lowland: Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh 1 train per day No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS N.02 Rugby to Stafford July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 154

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Rugeley to Colwich Resignalling CP6 Network Rail signalling renewal LEC2 2023 Like-for-like signals and S&C renewal NR Renewals In development scheme Rugeley to Colwich Junction inclusive SRS N.03 Stafford to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 155 Crewe

Geographic Map Route specification description This route section is a highly utilised section of the West Coast Main High Speed 2: A review of the long term strategy for Crewe has Line (WCML) and serves a number of key markets. been undertaken by HS2, in conjunction with DfT and Network Rail. Options for an integrated solution catering for all markets are being The long-distance market includes services to and from London, the developed, concentrating on the growing the economic region of North West, North Wales and Scotland. Regional urban services Crewe and beyond. include CrossCountry services to Wolverhampton, services to Birmingham and Manchester and commuter services to Liverpool. There is an important freight market operating on this key trunk route, serving a mix of traffic from Scotland, the North West, and the West Midlands; as well as services running between the north and south of the WCML. There is a maintenance depot at Crewe Carriage Shed, as well as Crewe Basford Hall being a key hub for Network Rail’s own infrastructure services. Basford Hall Yard is utilised by freight operators for marshalling and driver changeovers and acts as a key freight regulating point on the WCML. There are good interchange opportunities at Stafford and Crewe stations, providing a range of services to the East and West Midlands, to Chester, and to a range of long-distance services. Stafford serves 2.5 million passengers annually and Crewe serves 3.3 million. Capability: N.03 is a 25-mile electrified section of track consisting of four lines (two fast lines and two slow lines) between Stafford and Crewe. Fast line speeds on this section range from 110 to 125 mph and the slow lines operate at speeds up to 75 mph. Doxey Junction and Norton Bridge are key junctions along this section of route. Crewe Station is constrained due to a large number of crossing moves north and south of the station, which limits both passenger and freight capacity and performance. SRS N.03 Stafford to Crewe July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 156

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Armitage Junction (incl.) to Preston Fylde Junction (in part) Section start Stafford station Section end Crewe station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 125 mph EPS on Fast lines Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Predominantly 100 mph Permissible Speed on Slow lines from infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Stafford to Basford Hall Junction, dropping to 75 mph into Crewe. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.03 Stafford to Crewe July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 157

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Fast services: Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from Stafford to Crewe 18 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning.

Semi-fast services: Journey time between 19 and 43 minutes (depending upon stopping patterns and Operator) No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) from London to: Manchester 3 tph aspirations and market requirements. Liverpool 1 tph Chester 1 tph Scotland 2 tph Crewe (via Trent Valley) 1 tph

Sleeper: Highland: Euston via Edinburgh to Fort William, Aberdeen, Inverness 1 train per day Lowland: Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh 1 train per day No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS N.03 Stafford to Crewe July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 158

Geographic Map Route specification description This SRS is a very busy section of the West Coast Main Line and Constraints: Capacity is constrained on the double track sections serves a number of key passenger and freight markets. of route, particularly the two-track railway just north of Crewe between Winsford and Weaver Junction. There are a number of The long-distance passenger market includes services to and from junctions on the route which also restrict capacity due to the mix London, the North West, North Wales and Scotland. Regional urban of speed, rolling stock capability, and services. services include the commuter markets to Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham; and the leisure markets to Lancaster and the Lake High Speed 2: The HS2 project will extend the initial route from District. There are two sleeper trains that run from Euston to London to Birmingham further north with the creation of a ‘Y’ Glasgow and Edinburgh, Fort William, Aberdeen, and Inverness. network. Building on Phase 1, Phase 2A intends to provide additional infrastructure allowing services to join the WCML There are a number of freight services (container traffic and bulk south of Crewe in 2029 at the earliest. Phase 2B will later services) operating to terminals across the country. complete the ‘Y’ network, with the project extending the HS2 line This 51-mile electrified section of route between Crewe and Preston further beyond Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly and to Golborne is a mixture of two and four track lines. At Weaver Junction, the line Junction, south of Wigan. These enhancements will provide diverges towards Runcorn and Liverpool (N.07). The line speed is significant journey time improvements and offer some released predominantly 125 mph Enhanced Permissible Speed and 110 mph capacity to support other markets. The precise details of the Permissible Speed on the Fast lines and 75 mph on the Slow lines. At Phase 2A and 2B service provision is still the subject of Warrington, the route becomes four lines. Line speed reduces to 80 development. mph on the Fast lines and 60 mph on the Slow lines at different At Preston, the station and local infrastructure has been points north of Warrington Bank Quay. At Winwick Junction, there identified as one of eleven stations on the rail network where are only two tracks for three miles until Golborne Junction, where interventions are required to be investigated to understand and there are four lines until Wigan North Western station. The route is address crowding at the station and track capacity into the a two-track railway for another eight miles until Balshaw Lane station. Preston serves 4.6 million passengers annually. Preston Junction and is four track until Preston. will eventually be served by HS2 services, and an integrated plan Key stations include Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North is being developed by the industry. Western and Preston. There are interchange opportunities at Crewe A review of the long-term strategy for Crewe has been with a wide range of services to the East Midlands, Wales and the undertaken by HS2, in conjunction with DfT and Network Rail. North West; at Warrington for Chester and North Wales; and at Options for an integrated solution catering for all markets are Wigan North Western and Preston for local services in the North being developed, concentrating on the growing the economy of West such as Blackpool, Barrow-in-Furness and Manchester Airport. the Crewe region and beyond. Warrington Bank Quay and Wigan North Western both serve around 1.6 million passengers annually. SRS N.04 Crewe to Preston July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 160

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Armitage Junction (incl.) to Preston Fylde Junction (in part) Acton Grange Junction to Warrington South Junction (Helsby Lines) Winwick Junction to Golborne Junction (via Earlestown) Section start Crewe station Section end Preston station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 125 mph EPS on Fast lines, with some sections Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with between 80-110 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Predominantly 75 mph Permissible Speed on Slow lines Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 1 (bridleway) As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.04 Crewe to Preston July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 161

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Winsford 7 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from Crewe to: Hartford 10 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Acton Bridge 16 minutes Warrington Bank Quay 17 minutes Wigan North Western 28 minutes Preston 41 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) London to Liverpool 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. London to Scotland 1 tph Birmingham to Scotland 1 tph Birmingham to Crewe 1 tph LIverpool to Scotland 3 trains per day

Regional urban: Birmingham New Street to Liverpool 2 tph

Manchester Airport to Scotland 1 tph Manchester Airport to Blackpool North 1 tph Manchester Airport to Preston 3 tph Manchester Airport to Lancaster 2 tph

Preston to Barrow-in-Furness 10 trains per day Barrow-in-Furness to Preston 9 trains per day Windermere to Manchester Airport 1 train per day Windermere to Preston 3 trains per day

Buxton/Hazel Grove/Manchester Piccadilly to Preston 2 tph

Sleeper: Highland: Euston via Edinburgh to Fort William, Aberdeen, Inverness 1 train per day Lowland: Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh 1 train per day No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS N.04 Crewe to Preston July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 162

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Crewe Hub Interventions to support the delivery of CP6-7 In development HS2 SRS N.05 Preston to the July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 163 Scottish Border (near Gretna Junction) Geographic Map Route specification description This section of route is 101 miles long, electrified, and is High Speed 2: It is recognised that the long-distance Anglo-Scottish predominantly a two-track railway. It passes through hilly terrain, market continues to grow and the capacity and capability of this which results in a winding and steeply graded railway, such as over SRS is critical to meeting this demand. HS2 Ltd is introducing new Shap summit; and has a number of capacity constraints along the high speed services from 2029, and the industry is working together route. to develop a strategy to accommodate growth in passenger and freight markets. The long-distance market includes services to and from London, the North West, the West Midlands and Scotland. Regional urban services include the markets between Preston, Lancaster, Barrow-in- Furness, Windermere, Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith and Carlisle. There are two sleeper trains that run from Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Fort William, Aberdeen, and Inverness. The route is also a key freight link between England and Scotland, with Carlisle Kingmoor Yard located on this section of route. This freight yard acts as a key Network Rail terminal for the use of railway infrastructure services, in addition to commercial freight. There are opportunities for interchange at Preston, with local services to Liverpool, Blackpool, Manchester and the North West. Carlisle acts as a local interchange with services to the Cumbrian coast, the Settle and Carlisle Line, and services to Dumfries and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The stations at Penrith and Oxenholme Lake District act as gateways to the Lake District National Park. Lancaster provides connections to Morecambe, Heysham, Barrow- in-Furness, the Cumbrian Coast Line, and Leeds. Constraints: The different speeds of passenger services and slower freight trains constrain capacity. Use of diesel traction, instead of electric traction, restricts the speed of freight services and there are also limited passing loops, with many of the existing loops being shorter than current operations require. The Carlisle station area is capacity limited by its restrictive layout and low line speeds. The two track section between Preston and Carlisle over Shap summit constrains capacity. SRS N.05 Preston to the Scottish Border July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 164 (near Gretna Junction)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Preston Ribble Junction to Cove LC Section start Preston station Section end North of Gretna Junction Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 125 mph EPS on Fast lines, with some sections of Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with 80-110 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. 75 mph Permissible Speed on the Slow Lines Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 4 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.05 Preston to the Scottish Border July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 165 (near Gretna Junction)

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Lancaster 14-20 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from Preston to: Carnforth 24-30 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Oxenholme Lake District 27-30 minutes Penrith 48-56 minutes Carlisle 1 hr 4 to 1 hr 12 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) London Euston to Scotland (Glasgow) 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. Birmingham/Wolverhampton to Scotland (Glasgow/Edinburgh) 1 tph

Regional urban: Manchester Airport to Scotland (Edinburgh) via Preston 1 tph Manchester Airport to Blackpool North 1 tph Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness 2 trains per day (3 trains per day in opposite direction)

Preston to Manchester Airport 2 tph Preston to Barrow-in-Furness 2 hourly Preston to Windermere 1 train per day Liverpool to Blackpool 1 train per day

Sleeper: Highland: Euston via Edinburgh to Fort William, Aberdeen, Inverness 1 train per day Lowland: Euston to Glasgow and Edinburgh 1 train per day No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS N.05 Preston to the Scottish Border July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 166 (near Gretna Junction)

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date No confirmed developments at time of publication. SRS N.06 The Scottish July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 167 Border to Carstairs South Junction Geographic Map Route specification description This route section, between the border and Carstairs South Junction, is a 61-mile stretch of two track electrified railway. The terrain is hilly and is dominated by the steep gradient to Beattock summit. The long-distance market includes services to and from London, the North West, the West Midlands and Scotland. Regional urban services include the markets between Lockerbie, Carstairs and north to Scotland. The route is used by Avanti and TransPennine Express for services to Manchester Airport. It is also used by the Caledonian Sleeper service. There is heavy freight use of this route for traffic to and from Mossend, Coatbridge and Grangemouth terminals. There are a number of passing loops at Quintinshill, Lockerbie, Beattock Summit, Beattock and Abington, where freight services are regulated to ensure a robust timetable for passenger services. At Carstairs South Junction the line splits towards Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The only passenger station on the route is Lockerbie, which has an infrequent service provision. Constraints: The mix of high speed passenger services and slower freight traffic limits capacity on the route. The capability of the different rolling stock types and the double track formation also have significant impacts on capacity. SRS N.06 The Scottish Border to Carstairs July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 168 South Junction

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Gretna Junction to Glasgow Central (via Beattock) (in part) Section start North of Gretna Junction Section end Carstairs South Junction, south of Carstairs station Route availability† RA10 RA10 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 90-100 mph Permissible Speed, 125 mph EPS Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 2 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.06 The Scottish Border to Carstairs July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 169 South Junction

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Carlisle to Lockerbie 18 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) London to Scotland 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. Birmingham to Scotland 1 tph

Regional urban: Manchester Airport to Scotland (alternating Edinburgh and Glasgow) via Preston 1 tph

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Carstairs Junction remodelling Carstairs area improvements: WCM1 2023 Improved capacity and linespeed on the Network Rail In development renewal of life-expired assets and WCM2 route requirements for HS2 services SRS N.07 Weaver Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 170 to Liverpool South Parkway

Geographic Map Route specification description SRS N.07 leaves the West Coast Main Line (WCML) at Weaver Junction, continuing to Liverpool South Parkway and, ultimately, Liverpool Lime Street. The route supports the regional urban and commuter markets within the North West and Liverpool area, and the long-distance market to London. This route is a key freight corridor serving terminals at Ditton, the Halewood car plant, the Energy from Waste plant at Garston terminal, and the Port of Liverpool. There are two stations on the SRS, Runcorn and Liverpool South Parkway. Runcorn is served by four trains per hour to Liverpool Lime Street, two trains per hour also serving Liverpool South Parkway, Crewe, and the West Midlands. Liverpool South Parkway station offers opportunities for connections into the well served local Merseyrail network and to the North West, as well as having a direct bus link to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This 13-mile electrified section of line is a two-track railway through Runcorn as far as Ditton East Junction, where it becomes four tracks to Liverpool South Parkway. The two-track railway passes Halton Junction, where the line from Frodsham joins, and then passes through Runcorn station before becoming four tracks to Liverpool South Parkway. The Runcorn ‘Folly Lane’ non-electrified single line freight branch runs off this route section and is described in N.99. The Arpley Junction to Ditton line joins this section at Ditton East Junction. Constraints: Line speeds on this SRS are generally lower than the core WCML speeds, predominantly 80 mph from Sutton Weaver into Liverpool South Parkway. On the Slow lines, the maximum permissible speed is 75 mph. Further capacity constraints exist either side of this section, between Crewe and Weaver Junction and between Edge Hill and Liverpool Lime Street. This impacts on the ability to increase capacity on the route. SRS N.07 Weaver Junction to Liverpool July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 171 South Parkway

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Weaver Junction to Liverpool Lime Street (in part) Section start Weaver Junction Section end Liverpool South Parkway station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines) Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Prevailing linespeed 100 mph EPS on Fast lines up to Sutton Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Weaver, then 80 mph into Liverpool South Parkway. infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock.

Up and Down Ditton Slow lines 75 mph Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.07 Weaver Junction to Liverpool July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 172 South Parkway

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Crewe to Runcorn between 18 and 26 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Crewe to Liverpool South Parkway between 27 and 36 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street 1 tph aspirations and market requirements.

Regional urban: Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street 2 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Ditton Head Shunt extension Extend the current headshunt at Ditton WJL 2023 Increase in train length capability from DfT SOEF SIdings 540m to 850m SRS N.08 Norton Bridge/ July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 173 Colwich Junction to Cheadle Hulme Geographic Map Route specification description This 45-mile electrified route is predominately a two track railway from Colwich Junction to Cheadle Hulme, with the 3.6 mile of two-track railway from Norton Bridge joining it at Stone Junction. From Norton Bridge, the line speed is 75 mph until approaching Stone station when it is reduced to 25 mph for the converging junction. From Colwich Junction the line speed is only 45 mph, and 50 mph leaving the West Coast Main Line. The speed then fluctuates along the route due to a number of level crossings. At Kidsgrove, the line towards Crewe (N.09) diverges. Immediately past Cheadle Hulme station (Route H), the line from Crewe joins, where there is a short section of two track railway (towards Stockport) until Adswood Road Junction. This short two track section acts as a constraint on this SRS. Along the route between Stone and Stoke-on-Trent, there are two small stations (Wedgwood and Barlaston) which are currently not served by rail but are provided with a substitute bus service on which valid rail tickets are officially accepted. High Speed 2: HS2 Ltd proposes to introduce services from Handsacre Junction to Manchester, with options for routeing via Stoke or Crewe. SRS N.08 Norton Bridge/Colwich Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 174 to Cheadle Hulme

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Norton Bridge to Stone Junction Colwich Junction to Cheadle Hulme Section start Little Bridgeford Junction at Norton Bridge / Colwich Junction Section end Cheadle Hulme North Junction Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W12 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic TASS fitted on Fast Lines Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominant linespeed from Norton Bridge to Stone is 75 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with (Permissible Speed). infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. From Colwich Junction to Stoke-on-Trent and from Kidsgrove to Cheadle Hulme 95-125 mph (Enhanced Permissible Speed).

Low linespeeds around Stoke-on-Trent to Kidsgrove. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 7 plus 1 on Norton Bridge East Chord As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.08 Norton Bridge/Colwich Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 175 to Cheadle Hulme

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Stafford to Stone 8 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Stafford to Stoke-on-Trent 15 to 20 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Stafford to Macclesfield 35 to 39 minutes

Stoke-on-Trent to Kidsgrove 7 to 11 minutes Stoke-on-Trent to Congleton 14 minutes Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester 43 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance high-speed: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) London to Manchester 2 tph aspirations and market requirements. South West to Manchester 2 tph London Euston to Crewe (via Trent Valley) 1 tph

Regional urban: Derby to Crewe 1 tph Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester 1 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Geographic Map Route specification description This SRS is a short connecting corridor between Crewe and Kidsgrove, serving Alsager along the route. Passengers can interchange at Crewe for a number of destinations, and at Kidsgrove the line diverges for services to Manchester Piccadilly and to Stoke-on-Trent. This route is supported by a high number of leisure passengers, as well a significant number of students accessing education in the area. Freight services also operate on this route. The route section is eight miles of electrified line - five miles of two-track railway and three miles on a single section at the Crewe end of the line between North Stafford Junction and Barthomley Junction. Whilst a short route, the electrification capability provides a vital diversionary route to the adjacent West Coast Main Line (WCML). The route is utilised in times of planned and unplanned disruption, particularly by long-distance services that normally operate on the core WCML. A key constraint on this section is the short single line section near Crewe, which restricts capacity and operational flexibility. SRS N.09 Crewe to Kidsgrove July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 177

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Kidsgrove Junction to Crewe South Junction Section start Crewe South Junction Section end Kidsgrove station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 W10 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 70 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Single line section at Crewe 60 mph infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 7 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.09 Crewe to Kidsgrove July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 178

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Crewe to Alsager 9 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Crewe to Kidsgrove 14 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Birmingham to Crewe 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Derby to Crewe 1 tph aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date Alsager Resignalling Signalling renewal and level crossing KCS1 2025 Like-for-like signals renewals, signalling NR Renewals In development interventions between Kidsgrove and recontrol to Manchester ROC, and Crewe upgrade of Alsager and Radway Green level crossings to MCB-OD. SRS N.10 Watford Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 179 to St Albans Abbey

Geographic Map Route specification description This SRS serves the commuter market at a number of small, local stations along the route. The key passenger flow is into Watford Junction station in the peak (for the Watford area), and for interchange opportunities onto the DC Lines into London or onto the core West Coast Main Line. The service is known locally as the ‘Abbey Flyer’. The line is electrified and is six and a half miles long. It is a single line, with only one train allowed to operate over it at any one time. There are no freight services operating on the route. The St Albans Abbey line was designated a ‘Community Rail Line’ in 2005. This means it is supported by a Community Rail Partnership (a number of organisations and a collection of local groups), who actively promote train services and undertake initiatives like station adoption schemes. The CRP works towards increasing community involvement and revenue on the line, and highlights areas that could reduce the cost of running the service. SRS N.10 Watford Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 180 St Albans Abbey

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Watford Junction to St. Albans Abbey Section start Watford Junction station Section end St Albans Abbey station Route availability† RA7 RA7 Gauge† W6a W6a Signals† One train working Predominant Linespeed† 50 mph Electrification† 25kV OHL Level Crossings† 3 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.10 Watford Junction to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 181 St Albans Abbey

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Watford North 2 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from Watford Junction to: Garston 5 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Bricket Wood 8 minutes How Wood 10 minutes Park Street 12 minutes St Albans Abbey 16 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour One train working on single line (non-clockface) - approximately Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) 2 trains every three hours aspirations and market requirements. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date No confirmed developments at time of publication. SRS N.11 Euston to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 182 Watford Junction (DC Lines) Geographic Map Route specification description This SRS is known as the DC (Direct Current) Lines which operate between London Euston and Watford Junction. The DC Lines is a London and South East commuter railway, providing high frequency London Underground and Overground services. This commuter line runs alongside the core West Coast Main Line for most of its length (17 miles) and is 750v DC electrified. The route is operated by Arriva Rail London and London Underground Limited (LUL). Arriva Rail London provide an ‘all stations’ service on the DC Lines between London and Watford Junction running via Watford High Street. At Willesden Junction, Arriva Rail London services stop at the low-level platforms at the station, connecting with the North London Line which serves the high-level platforms. The London Underground services operate on the Bakerloo line, which links central London via Queen’s Park to all stations to Harrow and Wealdstone. These services share the track with London Overground services as far as Queen’s Park, before branching off onto dedicated track on the LUL, via the Bakerloo line. There are no freight services that operate on the DC Lines. Line speeds on this route are low (around 45 mph), but this does not act as a serious constraint due to the ‘all stations’ stopping pattern. Trains on the DC lines have been lengthened from 4 to 5-car capability in order to accommodate increasing demand on this route. Transport for London have long-term plans to upgrade the Bakerloo line and install a new signalling system and control centre on parts of the line by 2033. This may increase service frequencies and reduce journey times on the route. SRS N.11 Euston to Watford Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 183 (DC Lines)

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Camden Junction to Watford Junction (DC Lines) Section start Camden Junction Section end Watford Junction Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W6a W6a Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 45 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 3rd rail DC 750V 3rd rail DC 750V electrification or 25kV AC OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on this SRS. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.11 Euston to Watford Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 184 (DC Lines)

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey South Hampstead 6 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Kilburn High Road 7 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Queens Park 9 minutes London Overground from London Kensal Green 11 minutes Euston to: Willesden Junction 14 minutes Harlesden 16 minutes Stonebridge Park 18 minutes Wembley Central 21 minutes North Wembley 23 minutes South Kenton 25 minutes Kenton 27 minutes Harrow & Wealdstone 29 minutes Headstone Lane 32 minutes Hatch End 34 minutes Carpenders Park 37 minutes Bushey 40 minutes Watford High Street 43 minutes Watford Junction 47-52 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour London Overground: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry 2020 : Bakerloo line upgrade planned: (tph) London Euston to Watford Junction 4 tph aspirations and market requirements. * new signalling system and control centre LUL Bakerloo line: * increased capacity DC Lines between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone 12 * reducing journey times across route tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS N.11 Euston to Watford Junction July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 185 (DC Lines)

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date No confirmed developments at time of publication. SRS N.12 Bletchley to July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 186 Bedford (Marston Vale Line) Geographic Map Route specification description A shuttle service operates on this 15-mile section, serving There are plans for the re-introduction of passenger services from commuters into Bletchley and Bedford town centres. Passengers for Oxford and Aylesbury to Milton Keynes and from Oxford to Bedford longer distance services can connect onto the Midland Main Line at via Bletchley in the future, driven by the East West Rail Phase 2 Bedford for services to London St Pancras, and onto the West Coast project. The primary objectives of this project are to improve Main Line at Bletchley for services to London Euston or to the north. East-West connectivity and the creation of jobs and growth in the local areas. A re-opened railway will provide local transport links All of the ten local stations along the route, are served on an supporting regional growth and will ease traffic congestion (approximate) hourly basis. hotspots in Oxford, Bletchley, Princes Risborough, Milton Keynes There are a number of freight services operating over the route. and Bedford. The EWR project will redevelop Bletchley station to cater for the growth in passenger numbers from the new EWR services and to provide integration and connectivity with the WCML. There are a number of third party aspirations for strategic freight terminals at Apsley Guise and Ridgmont.

The route is a non-electrified two-track railway with a line speed of 60 mph. The route is constrained by short single line sections at both ends of the line (one mile long at Bletchley and ¼ mile long at Bedford). Numerous level crossings are located on the route; these include CCTV, automatic half barrier and user-worked crossings. Forders sidings is located around the 12 mile post area. SRS N.12 Bletchley to Bedford July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 187

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Bletchley to Bedford St. Johns (Inclusive) Bedford St. Johns (Exclusive) to Bedford Station Section start Bletchley station Section end Bedford station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W8 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 60 mph East West Rail phase 2 is planned to implement a 90 mph two 25 mph on approach to Bletchley station track railway. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 15 As determined by Level Crossing Policy and East West Rail equirements. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.12 Bletchley to Bedford July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 188

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Fenny Stratford 3 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time from Bletchley to: Bow Brickhill 7 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Woburn Sands 11 minutes Aspley Guise 14 minutes Ridgmont 18 minutes Lidlington 21 minutes Millbrook 24 minutes Stewartby 28 minutes Kempston Hardwick 32 minutes Bedford St Johns 38 minutes Bedford 44 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Bedford to Bletchley commuter service 1 tph Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry East West Rail Phase 2 proposes to increase services on this (tph) aspirations and market requirements. route. No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date East West Rail: Phase 2 Reinstatement of disused line between BBM 2024 Improve East - West connectivity by DfT In development Oxford and Aylesbury to Bletchley and provision of new journey opportunities Milton Keynes and increased service frequency SRS N.13 Crewe to Chester July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 189

Geographic Map Route specification description This SRS forms one section of the North Wales Line, which extends along the coast from Chester to Holyhead. It serves a number of key passenger markets and has a limited number of freight services operating over it. A key passenger market is the long-distance service which operates from Chester to London Euston, which is an hourly, fast direct service. Regional urban services are provided by Transport for Wales (TfW) Rail Services, operating Holyhead to Crewe services, which serves commuters travelling to Chester and Crewe. Chester provides interchange opportunities for the Merseyrail network and to Warrington on the Mid Cheshire Line (SRS H.45). Crewe acts as a key interchange station providing journey opportunities to the West Midlands, the North and Scotland. The route is a two-track non-electrified section of 21 miles in length. The line speed is predominantly 90 mph but constrained with short sections of 65mph and 75mph. Along the SRS is Christleton Tunnel, which is located around 177miles 52 chains and is 160 yards long. There are no other stations between Crewe and Chester although there is local interest in the potential for re-opening of a station at Beeston Castle and Tarporley. Chester maintenance depot is located just to the north of the station. SRS N.13 Crewe to Chester July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 190

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Crewe North Junction to Holyhead (in part) Section start Crewe North Junction Section end Chester East Junction, before Chester station Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W6a W10 W7 from Crewe to Crewe Steelworks only Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Absolute Block on siding to Crewe Steelworks Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Predominantly 90 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with 65 mph on approaches to Chester station infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† Not electrified 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 1 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.13 Crewe to Chester July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 191

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Crewe to Chester 19-24 minutes Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. No. of passenger trains per hour Long-distance: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) London Euston to Chester 1 tph aspirations and market requirements.

Commuter: Crewe to Chester 1 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study.

Route specification description There are a number of freight lines along the WCML Strategic The flows from Felixstowe to the Midlands and North West There are a number of other flows that use the WCML: these include Route. For ease of reference, the key information on freight issues terminals operate via the North London Line joining the WCML at automotive flows from Halewood (Liverpool) to Southampton and have been grouped together in this SRS. Willesden Junction or via Peterborough joining the WCML at Wembley, scrap metal from Mossend (Glasgow) to Liverpool and a Nuneaton. depot at Willesden, timber from Carlisle to Chirk and waste flows to Folly Lane (Runcorn). Other traffic is located in Cumbria and Channel Tunnel intermodal traffic can come from Spain, Italy, operates via the WCML, as well as a daily Ministry of Defence spine France, Belgium, Germany and other EU countries. This traffic service down the WCML from Scotland. operates to single destinations in the UK such as Trafford Park, Daventry, Ditton, and other terminals. Traffic is limited to a current Freight expansions maximum of W9 loading gauge due to constraints in southern There are planned expansions at various ports throughout the England. country which will have an effect on the WCML. These include Domestic intermodal traffic is the movement of containerised developments at Liverpool, Felixstowe, Thames Gateway and consumer goods within the UK. Daventry International Rail Freight Southampton. This will have a significant effect on freight services, Terminal is the national hub of Anglo-Scottish intermodal traffic. particularly intermodal growth. Key flows include time sensitive supermarket traffic which operates Third party proposals exist for freight expansion at Ditton and at between Daventry and Mossend and Grangemouth and Daventry terminals (DIRFT3), along with two Strategic Freight Coatbridge. Interchanges on the Northampton loop. Mail traffic - Royal Mail trains run daily between Willesden and Constraints Shieldmuir in Scotland. These flows are operated by 100 mph rolling stock and are very time sensitive. There are constraints on potential freight growth on the route, particularly around the Crewe Independent Lines and on the Freight markets There are a number of bulk flows across the WCML. Bulk flows two-track section north of Preston. Across the route there are a include biomass, Energy from Waste, aggregates and china clay. Key freight flows on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) are number of loops: some of these are not long enough for current intermodal, both deep sea intermodal from the ports and Aggregate flows are highly dependent on the construction industry freight requirements, and are not always located in the most domestic intermodal from inland terminals for onward distribution. and demand tends to be project driven. Aggregate flows operate to appropriate location for current traffic. Significant growth in both There are also a number of flows which originate in Europe and use terminals at Northampton, Bletchley, Watford and Willesden. At the passenger and freight traffic will not be able to be accommodated the Channel Tunnel. Other flows on the route include timber, north end of the route, aggregates are conveyed from Shap and north of Preston in the future. While long-distance passenger construction, metals, automotive, Energy from Waste, and mail Hardendale quarries to Teesside, Manchester and Sheffield. service levels remain unchanged, there will be some scope for traffic. freight traffic to grow in line with forecasts depending on the Deep sea intermodal flows are container flows to and from ports. traction type, train length, tonnes hauled and time of day at which The main import locations into the UK are Southampton, Thames new freight paths are required. Gateway and Felixstowe. The major flow over the WCML is from Southampton to the Midlands terminals at Birch Coppice, Hams Hall, Lawley Street and Daventry; to the North West terminals at Garston, Trafford Park and Ditton; and to further destinations in Scotland. SRS N.99 Freight lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 193

The following is a list of freight only lines, trunk routes and other lines which support freight traffic flows across the north of the West Coast Main Line:

Crewe Independent Lines (see also next page) • Rugby, Trent Valley Junction to New Bilton (MD180): This is a • Carnforth South Junction to Carnforth North Junction non-electrified section of line that is located to the north of (NW4001): Goods only lines on CGJ7 from 5m 56ch to 6m 12ch. Basford Hall Junction to Sandbach South Junction (NW1009): • Rugby and is currently used as sidings. The line speed over this section is 15 mph. This electrified line runs between Basford Hall Junction to the south of Crewe around a number of sidings before diving under • Midland Yard Junction to Canal Farm Junction (MD233): • Carlisle Goods Lines (NW4001): There are a number of goods the West Coast Main Line and joining the Crewe to Manchester Known as the Nuneaton North Chord, this is a single chord line lines within the Carlisle area with line speeds of 20mph. line. that allows trains using the existing flyover from Nuneaton Caldew Junction – Kingmoor Junction – Mossband Junction South Junction to directly access the West Coast Main Line to • Gresty Lane to Salop Goods Junction (NW1011) (NW4001): Goods only lines between Caldew Junction (north of • travel north. This allows freight trains to cross the West Coast Carlisle) and Mossband Junction (towards Gretna Green). These Crewe Sorting Sidings North to Gresty Lane (NW1013) Main Line without disrupting the four running lines, and benefits • lines serve the Carlisle Kingmoor area complex. Line speeds on the Felixstowe to Manchester and Scotland freight services. • Salop Goods Junction to Crewe North Junction (Chester these goods lines are between 10mph and 25mph, which restrict Independent Lines) (NW1015): Runs towards Chester. • Bamfurlong Sidings Junction to Ince Moss Junction the capability and capacity. (NW1025): Known as the Ince Moss Chord, this is a non- Salop Goods Junction to Crewe Coal Yard (Liverpool • electrified single line curve just under a mile long joining the Independent Lines) (NW1017): Runs between the West Coast West Coast Main Line to the St Helens lines. Main Line to the north of Crewe, the up line dives under the WCML while the down line runs adjacent to the WCML and dives • Preston South Junction to Strand Road (NW1027): This under the lines to Chester towards Salop Goods Junction. non-electrified single line section of track is one mile long leading to Preston Docks. • Runcorn to Runcorn Dock Branch (Folly Lane) (NW2003): This non electrified short branch line supports the operation of the Energy from Waste plant built in 2012. • Arpley Junction to Ditton East Junction (NW2009): This eight-mile section of non-electrified double-track line leads from Warrington to Ditton East (in the Liverpool area). Several freight terminals are served by this route. • Skew Bridge Junction to Preston North Junction (NW1001): Goods only lines between CGJ5 20m 41ch and CGJ6 0m 21ch. Line speeds on this section are between 20 and 35mph. SRS N.99 Freight lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 194

Crewe Independent Lines Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Basford Hall Junction to Sandbach South Junction (Independent Lines) Gresty Lane to Salop Goods Junction (Independent Lines) Crewe Sorting Sidings North to Gresty Lane Salop Goods Junction to Crewe North Junction (Chester Independent Lines) Salop Goods Junction to Crewe Coal Yard (Liverpool Independent Lines) Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W10 except for the Salop Goods Junction to Crewe North Junction (Chester Independent Lines) which are W8 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 10-15 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† 25kV Level Crossings† There are no level crossings on these SRS. Number of Freight trains per day Significant number of daily freight trains serving all of the As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. various yards at Crewe. †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS N.99 Freight lines July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 195

Arpley Junction to Ditton East Junction Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Arpley Junction to Ditton East Junction Route availability† RA8 RA8 Gauge† W9, W10 W12 Signals† Track Circuit Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Absolute Block Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† 20-40 mph Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock. Electrification† None 25kV OHL dependent on industry aspirations. Level Crossings† 8 As determined by Level Crossing Policy. Number of Freight trains per day Significant number of daily freight trains serving Arpley Yard, As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, Ditton and Widnes Yard †See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS O.01 Merseyrail July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 196

Geographic Map Route specification description The Merseyrail network is a third rail Direct Current (DC) electrified network spread over the Wirral, Merseyside, north Cheshire and south-west Lancashire. The network is split in two parts: the Wirral Line and the Northern Line. There are four terminus stations on the Wirral Line: New Brighton, West Kirkby, Chester and Ellesmere Port. All stations on this route are connected to Hamilton Square in Birkenhead, and the central Liverpool stations of James Street, Moorfields, Liverpool Lime Street (Low Level) and Liverpool Central, which are served by a one-way, clockwise loop line underneath Liverpool city centre. Liverpool Lime Street Low Level forms an important link to the mainline Liverpool Lime Street station for interchange with services to a wide range of destinations. The Northern Line operates from Hunts Cross in the south through Liverpool Central and Moorfields, with northerly branches serving Southport, Ormskirk and Kirkby. The Northern Line crosses the Liverpool to Manchester line (also known as the Cheshire Lines Committee) at Hunts Cross West Junction, on the approach to Hunts Cross station. Under normal operation, this is the only part of the network that directly interacts with the rest of the national network, although there are platforms in various stations that can serve both Merseyrail and national network trains. The route also serves Liverpool John Lennon Airport at Liverpool South Parkway and has connections to Manchester, the east, Crewe and the south. There are 68 stations on the Merseyrail network of which the central four - Liverpool Lime Street (Low Level), Liverpool Central, Moorfields and James Street - are the busiest* in terms of passenger usage. Aside from these, other key stations include Chester, Southport, Liverpool South Parkway and Birkenhead Hamilton Square. Maghull station is one of the top 10 busiest* stations; following significant housing development in the area, Maghull North station was opened in 2018 to help reduce the demand on the existing station and support increased passenger levels in recent years. SRS O.01 Merseyrail July 2021 Network Rail –Route Specifications: North West and Central 197

Route capability overview Table 1.0 Information Current 2043 Notes Line of route description Hunts Cross West Junction to Southport Paradise Junction to James Street/Mann Island Junction Sandhills Junction to Ormskirk Bootle Junction to Aintree Emergency Ground Frame (North Mersey Branch) Walton Junction to Kirkby Mann Island Junction to West Kirby (via Loop) Canning St Junction to Hooton South Junction Bidston East Junction to New Brighton Canning St North to Rock Ferry South (Canning St Lines) Chester West Junction to Hooton South Junction Hooton South Junction to Helsby Junction Northern Line terminal and city Hunts Cross, Kirkby, Ormskirk, Southport, Moorfields, Liverpool Central. centre stations Wirral Line terminal and city Chester, Ellesmere Port, West Kirby, New Brighton, Hamilton Square, James Street, Moorfields, Lime Street, Liverpool Central. centre stations Route availability† RA6, RA7, RA8 Gauge† W6 Signals† Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block Subject to the rollout programme of European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). Predominant Linespeed† Various speeds on the network: mostly 35-45 mph in central Incremental linespeed improvements where possible in line with Liverpool with the rest of the network mostly 60mph with a infrastructure characteristics and capability of rolling stock, 70mph section between Hooton and Chester. Electrification† 750 volt DC third rail Dependent on industry aspirations, Level Crossings† 25 As determined by Level Crossing Policy, † See Sectional Appendix for further details. SRS O.01 Merseyrail July 2021 Network Rail –Route Specifications: North West and Central 198

Train service levels (trains per hour / day) Table 2.0 Current 2043 Notes Typical passenger train journey Liverpool Central to: Reduce journey time to lowest possible in line with linespeed All future service specifications to be shaped by Strategic time Chester 40 minutes improvements and changes in rolling stock. Network Planning. Ellesmere Port 37 minutes West Kirby 32 minutes New Brighton 23 minutes Southport 44 minutes Hunts Cross 17 minutes Ormskirk 32 minutes Kirkby 18 minutes No. of passenger trains per hour Liverpool Central to: Possible changes to service frequency in line with industry (tph) Chester 4 tph aspirations and market requriements. Ellesmere Port 2 tph West Kirby 4 tph New Brighton 4 tph Southport 4 tph Hunts Cross 4 tph Ormskirk 4 tph Kirkby 4 tph No. of freight train paths per hour See working timetable for up to date information. As per forecasts detailed within Freight Network Study. SRS O.01 Merseyrail July 2021 Network Rail - Route Specifications: North West and Central 199

Proposed infrastructure investment in Control Period 6 (2019 – 2024) Table 3.0 Project Project Description ELR Implementation Output change Funder Status Date New Rolling Stock Introduce a dedicated track Merseyrail 2021/2022 Track to train wireless 3rd Party In development Programme - Train to train wireless network communications Connectivity communications system allowing live streaming of CCTV images and voice/data communications Headbolt Lane new station New station proposal, WKL2 2023 New station on an extended 3rd Party In development including an extension of the section of the Merseyrail network Merseyrail network beyond the current terminus at Kirkby Liverpool Central Station Project seeking to enhance MIR1 2025 Redeveloped station at Liverpool 3rd Party In development Development capacity at Liverpool Central Central station Skelmersdale Rail Link To create a rail link for 2027/2028 New station and rail link at 3rd Party In development Skelmersdale to Liverpool via Skelmersdale Kirkby and to Manchester via Wigan Wallgate Glossary July 2021 Network Rail – Route Specifications: North West and Central 200

Term Meaning A signalling system that allows only one train to be in a block section at the same time. The block indicator is used to indicate whether the line between adjacent signal boxes is clear or Absolute Block (AB) occupied. AC Alternating Current Busiest* Busiest station based on ORR figures for estimation of station usage 2018/19. Control Period A five year period where Network Rail receive funding from the government in order to upgrade and maintain the railway infrastructure. Control Period 6 (CP6) The 2019-2024 period DC Direct Current DfT Department for Transport ELR Engineer’s Line Reference European Rail Traffic Management ERTMS is a traffic management system which is specified by Europe to provide a unified signalling and control system throughout the European area. A key component of ERTMS is the System (ERTMS) on-board signalling equipment (referred to as the European Train Control System or ETCS). A signalling system that uses in cab indications as opposed to external track borne signals. FOC Freight Operating Company Structure Gauge is the minimum height and width of tunnels and bridges as well as the minimum height and width of the doors that allow a rail siding access into a warehouse The loading Gauge gauge limits the size of passenger carriages, goods wagons (freight cars) and shipping containers that can be conveyed on a section of railway line, depending on the gauge of the line. GRIP Governance for Railway Investment Projects HLOS High Level Output Specification HS1 High Speed 1 – the high speed link between St Pancras International and the Channel Tunnel HS2 High Speed 2 – the proposed high speed link between London and Crewe and beyond to Leeds and Manchester kV A thousand volts LTPP Long Term Planning Process LUL London Underground Ltd, a subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL) mph Miles per Hour National Electronic Sectional Appendix NESA is available at nesa.corp.ukrail.net/ (NESA) The system by which the permanent way (track) and supporting works (bridges, embankments, etc.) of the network are graded. All routes are allocated an RA number between 1 and 10, Route Availability (RA) all rolling stock is also given an RA number of 1-10 depending on its axle load. The train/rolling stock must have an RA of lower than or equal to that of the line to be allowed to use it. OHL Overhead Line Equipment ORR Office of Rail and Road (the regulator for the rail industry in Great Britain) SRS Strategic Route Section TASS Tilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision TOC Train Operating Company Token Block A signalling system whereby authority to occupy a block is provided by possession of a token that is obtained in such a way that only one train is in a section of track at a time. A method of signalling trains in a section of line using track circuits or other means of automatic train absence detection and without using block instruments. A track circuit is an electrical Track Circuit Block (TCB) device which uses the rails as an electrical circuit to detect the absence of a train or vehicle. WCML West Coast Main Line Network Rail Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9AG www.networkrail.co.uk