Earlestown Fire (20/05)

[Gathursty]

Ince Moss curve is not redundant. It is used by the Tuebrook to Ashton In Makerfield (Edge Green) stone trains.

Is that only a recent development? I remember someone putting a thread up about that stub in Golborne a year or so ago mentioning trains were back using that branch.

 

[adsteamfan]

You can see some of the damage to the OHLE in this photo taken from Facebook - credit Neil Brabbs whose industrial unit was also burnt out in the fire

 

[8J]

The line through the affected area has been handed back and is open for traffic as of 22:00 (ish) this evening (21/05). Should see a normal service tomorrow.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Ince Moss curve is not redundant. It is used by the Tuebrook to Ashton In Makerfield (Edge Green) stone trains.

And, I think, the sand trains to Pilkingtons at St Helens (Ravenhead).

The OHLE damage looks to be worse above the southernmost track, which is the loop and forms the route towards Warrington via P5.
At the moment I don't think there are any electrically-worked passenger trains that way, so maybe it can wait a while for repair.
Apart from Warrington locals it would affect any Euston-Liverpool Pendolino diversions if they were needed.

 

[adsteamfan]

The West curve at Earlstown is P3

 

[Bob figgis]

From this video the wind was blowing the heat and smoke across the railway. Looks very dramatic.