Good news - sounds like a lot of money for ten miles of single line (at low speed) but hopefully worth it.
I don't agree with wiring to Barrow being affected by this - its a long way (40 miles) and if you wired to Barrow then you'd either only free up a bi-hourly train service or see the direct link from Whitehaven/ Workington to Lancaster cut.
Plenty of other better uses of forty-ish miles of electrification in north west England (like both branches of the line from Manchester/ Bolton to Wigan and Southport/ Kirby). In those terms, Barrow remains a low priority for me.
Makes me wonder what other "little rabbits" there are up the Government's sleeve - ready to be announced to get lots of little publicity boosts (like GOBLIN) - anyone want to bet on Selby - Hull to be announced by the end of the year?
No they don't - not since the (2007?) changes where most of the TPE services from Manchester Airport to Windermere were diverted to Glasgow/ Edinburgh (to free up Virgin Voyagers for use on enhanced Cheshire - London services).
I am pleased to see that the Windermere line is being electrified. In the past to many short lines like this were ignored during major electrification projects, leaving many DMU 'islands' all over the network. Some have since been electrified and some are still needing to be.
Regarding a loop on the Oxenholme to Windermere line, I would agree whole heartedly, that will not only double capacity, but increase flexibility on the line. The trouble is with these glorified 'long sidings' is when there is a breakdown the whole route is blocked until the 'failed' unit is removed or fixed.
I wont take that bet about the Selby to Hull line, as a fully paid up cynic, I not only expect to hear about a steady release of new electrification projects being announced between now and election day in 2015, but I also fully expect that they will end with a major announcement just before the election is called.
I would expect to see, the following lines being announced:
- Selby to Hull
- Northallerton to Middlesborough
- Sheffield to Doncaster
- Swinton (Yorks) to South Kirkby & Church Fenton
Ending with possibly either the Chilton Route or Derby to Bristol being announced just before the election.
There may be more, less or even non of these, but I expect the shorter ones to happen in the next 3 years.
Just my view. Sits back and awaits comments.