Andyjs247
Member
Leaving aside the fact that even if the station was built at Middlewich there are currently no spare trains to run an extra service, are there any infrastructure works that would be needed to reopen? Bearing in mind that the use of the line for diversions does not necessarily mean that the line is suitable, for example the route through Brighouse was regularly used as a diversionary route for Transpennine services but reopening the station and reintroduction of scheduled services required the rebuilding of the A641 (Huddersfield to Bradford Road) bridge over the line.
The line needs a lot of work to get it up to decent passenger speeds.
Although the signalling has been updated, the line itself is in a very poor state - 20mph throughout.
It has only ever been single track with one loop at Middlewich.
It's a pity the western extension from the airport seems to have gone quiet - that was supposed to have jump-started the upgrade.
Middlewich folk can also look forward to HS2 passing imperiously just to the west.
Maybe something will fall out of the general airport/HS2 development.
Part of the problem is Cheshire's (East and West) reluctance to spend money on rail.
Dare I suggest there might be a use for some D78s at last, given the lack of anything else better suited and the slow line speeds?