Avoiding tunnels - Manchester

[tunnels]

Hello,

Can anyone advise if there are any train tunnels between Telford and Manchester ?

Any advice or help is greatly appreciated.


Thank you

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Hello,

Can anyone advise if there are any train tunnels between Telford and Manchester ?

Depends which way you're travelling. If via Shrewsbury, there's the 468 yd Oakengates Tunnel, almost immediately after departing Telford Central.

 

[30907]

On each of the two most strsightforward routes there is one tunnel:

1. Going via Shrewsbury, there is a tunnel between Telford C and Oakengates.
Workaround: start your journey at Oakengates.
2. Going via Wolverhampton, there is a tunnel at Harecastle near Stoke on Trent.
Workaround: from Wolverhampton, take a direct train to Crewe (there are 2 per hour on weekdays) and change again for Manchester.

 

[NI 271]

If going via Shrewsbury/Chester/Warrington, Oakengates, Chirk, Whitehurst, Balderton, Northgate, Windmill Lane, Frodsham, Sutton.

 

[WibbleWobble]

If you go via Wolverhampton, there's also a tunnel immediately north of Macclesfield station.

 

[30907]

If going via Shrewsbury/Chester/Warrington, Oakengates, Chirk, Whitehurst, Balderton, Northgate, Windmill Lane, Frodsham, Sutton.

I was assuming the OP was trying to avoid them

 

[NI 271]

I was assuming the OP was trying to avoid them

I must have somehow misread the title. I'd have sworn it was different originally, I must be losing the plot.

 

[Gloster]

As far as I can see from the Quail maps there are no tunnels if you travel via Wolverhampton, Crewe and Wilmslow, but there are two short ones north of Macclesfield on the route via Stoke.

 

[snowball]

there are two short ones north of Macclesfield on the route via Stoke.

Plus Harecastle as mentioned above.

 

[tunnels]

Depends which way you're travelling. If via Shrewsbury, there's the 468 yd Oakengates Tunnel, almost immediately after departing Telford Central.

Thank you. If I go from Oakengates will I be able to avoid going through a tunnel all the way to Manchester?

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Thank you. If I go from Oakengates will I be able to avoid going through a tunnel all the way to Manchester?

Yes, change at Shrewsbury, and then no tunnels into Manchester inbound via Nantwich, Crewe and Wilmslow.

 

[tunnels]

On each of the two most strsightforward routes there is one tunnel:

1. Going via Shrewsbury, there is a tunnel between Telford C and Oakengates.
Workaround: start your journey at Oakengates.
2. Going via Wolverhampton, there is a tunnel at Harecastle near Stoke on Trent.
Workaround: from Wolverhampton, take a direct train to Crewe (there are 2 per hour on weekdays) and change again for Manchester.

Brilliant, thanks for this. If I go from Oakengates do I need to change at Shrewsbury? From Shrewsbury are there any tunnels on the way to Manchester? Also is Manchester Piccadilly Station over ground unlike Birmingham New Street where you go in a tunnel to get into the station?

 

[tunnels]

If going via Shrewsbury/Chester/Warrington, Oakengates, Chirk, Whitehurst, Balderton, Northgate, Windmill Lane, Frodsham, Sutton.

Thank you. Are these all tunnels?

 

[tunnels]

Yes, change at Shrewsbury, and then no tunnels into Manchester via Nantwich, Crewe and Wilmslow.

 

[tunnels]

Thank you for helping really appreciate it. Please can I check which line this?
Also there are no tunnels to get into Manchester Piccadilly (unlike Birmingham New Street tunnel to get into the station)?

 

[NorthWestRover]

No tunnels at Manchester Picc.

 

[tunnels]

Yes, change at Shrewsbury, and then no tunnels into Manchester inbound via Nantwich, Crewe and Wilmslow.

 

[tunnels]

View attachment 124720

This route ?

View attachment 124720

This route?

 

[30907]

This route ?

This route?

Yes.

It is the normal route from Shrewsbury to Manchester, and changing at Shrewsbury is usually very straightforward. (Occasionally trains may take a route that avoids Stockport, but that is still tunnel-free.)

PS just before Stockport there is a relatively bridge (below a roundabout) but it is 5 tracks wide so I think you will find that OK.

 

[tunnels]

Yes.

It is the normal route from Shrewsbury to Manchester, and changing at Shrewsbury is usually very straightforward. (Occasionally trains may take a route that avoids Stockport, but that is still tunnel-free.)

PS just before Stockport there is a relatively bridge (below a roundabout) but it is 5 tracks wide so I think you will find that OK.

Thanks so much really appreciate your help with this.
Please can I check just before Stockport is it a tunnel or a bridge (are you in it for long? Possibly to avoid it?)
Thank you

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Please can I check just before Stockport is it a tunnel or a bridge (are you in it for long? Possibly to avoid it?)
Thank you

Just South of Stockport station is a road bridge with a small roundabout on top of it. If you really aren't happy with going under that, you could always travel into Manchester from Crewe/Wilmslow on the Styal line.

 

[Gloster]

Would the worry be whether it gets completely dark when going under the bridge or whether it just gets a slightly less bright for a second or two? Those who know the line may be able to say.

 

[tunnels]

No tunnels at Manchester Picc.

Thank you.

 

[tunnels]

Just South of Stockport station is a road bridge with a small roundabout on top of it. If you really aren't happy with going under that, you could always travel into Manchester from Crewe/Wilmslow on the Styal line.

I think that sounds OK. Thanks for all your help with this really appreciate.

 

[tunnels]

Would the worry be whether it gets completely dark when going under the bridge or whether it just gets a slightly less bright for a second or two? Those who know the line may be able to say.

It is more uncomfortable being in a tunnel. If it's a bridge and less bright for a second or two that's OK. Trying to avoid tunnels like the ones heading into Birmingham New Street.

 

[Gloster]

I presume that is the very first bridge south of Stockport station. Looking at google maps, I would reckon that it is about 45 metres long and a generous five tracks-width wide. As there appears to be a signal gantry immediately to the south you are unlikely to be stopped under the bridge. I do not know the area, so perhaps someone else can answer as to whether it is light and airy or enclosed when passing under.

 

[tunnels]

I presume that is the very first bridge south of Stockport station. Looking at google maps, I would reckon that it is about 45 metres long and a generous five tracks-width wide. As there appears to be a signal gantry immediately to the south you are unlikely to be stopped under the bridge. I do not know the area, so perhaps someone else can answer as to whether it is light and airy or enclosed when passing under.

Just had a look on Google maps and it shows the roundabout. Looks like a small one and like you mentioned a good width. Think that'll be OK. I've also contacted transport for Wales as that's the line. Thanks again for all your help. Knowing what to expect manages the anxiety a bit. It'll be pretty high as starting a new job. This definitely helps.