I have had a flick through the posts here and couldn't see that this Network Rail report had been posted anywhere:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjALegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw3bzDJIGZFVGDHTzfzLB2rZ
It seems to lay out in stark terms what amybody using trains through Manchester already knows. There has been a huge amount of unprofessional and wishful thinking on the part of the DfT, TOCs and potentially Network Rail in working out what the infrastructure around central Manchester can and can't do. It also shows what a pointless and unachievable exercise Graylings suggestion of a digital signalling is. What this area needs is more platforms (not just at Picc 13/14), less conflicting moves, grade seperation and a completely different and much better thought out service pattern.
The scary thing reading this report is that you don't really see any quick wins and the situation would appear to be likely to get worse in the short term.
The solutions that have been implemented already are also causing chaos. Creating lots of through services that don't need to stop at Victoria is just guaranteeing problems spread around the whole network.
It is a total mess and probably the best example of how fragmented railway planning can deliver huge problems for all.
The Ordsall Chord is a total red herring. The whole of the infrastructure in Central Manchester needs a serious re-design so it can properly act as the complicated termination and interchange hub that it is.
One option I feel would be worth looking at but is never talked about would be to rebuild and rename Salford Central to allow for termination of a load of commuter trains from the west side. There seems to be spare land there. New through lines look possible on the south side of the station, the north side could be for terminators. This would also seem to offer some grade seperation.
-create a dedicated train shuttle from Salford Cresent to the Airport with excellent interchange facilities at Crescent.
- install some public transport improvements at street level from Central into and across the city centre.
I presume there are good reasons why this hasn't been considered.