New Express Bus Improves Links Between Skelmersdale And Liverpool
The title of this post, is the same as that of this news item from Lancashire County Council.
This is the sub-heading.
A new bus service launched this week makes it quicker and easier to travel between Skelmersdale and Liverpool using public transport.
And these are the first two paragraphs.
The 319 Trainlink service, operated by Stagecoach on behalf of Lancashire County Council, runs between Skelmersdale Concourse, Kirkby railway station and Kirkby bus station for onward transport links into Liverpool reducing the travel time between Skelmersdale and Liverpool Central Station to under 50 minutes.
The express service, which launched on Sunday 22 January, operates every 30 minutes throughout the day Monday to Saturday, and every hour in the evening. There is also an hourly service on Sundays. Buses are timed to connect with Merseyrail train services from early ’til late.
Note.
- Once the new Headbolt station opens, it will serve that station.
- The express bus service has started two days before Merseyrail introduce their new Class 777 trains.
- I hope the quality of the buses are up to that of the new trains.
- The service is probably the best that can be done, until a train service is built.
- There will be integrated fare options between Skelmersdale and Liverpool.
Transport planners need to do more to use buses to extend train services.
Would A Lower Cost Rail Link To Skelmersdale Be Possible?
In the Wikipedia entry for Skelmersdale railway station, there is a section called Reopening Proposals, where this is said.
Skelmersdale has been described as the largest town in North-West England that doesn’t have a railway station, although Leigh, Greater Manchester, which also has no station is larger.
This section called 2022, gives the latest status of the proposals to connect Skelmersdale to the UK rail network.
Government reinforces that the station proposals are being considered. Rosie Cooper calls for the new Rail Minister to visit Skelmersdale, in order to aid the DfT’s decision. However, the Department for Transport announced in July 2022 that it was rejecting the Strategic Outline Business Case, throwing the scheme into doubt. The DfT instead suggested that better bus links with the Kirkby–Wigan rail line would be a cheaper way of improving connectivity for Skelmersdale.
This Google Map shows the town of Skelmersdale.
Skelmersdale is a town with an extensive road network, with good links to the M58 motorway.
I would suspect, that those who don’t have access to a car or some other form of personal transport, are second-class citizens.
According to Wikipedia, in the latest statement from the DfT, this was said.
The DfT instead suggested that better bus links with the Kirkby–Wigan rail line would be a cheaper way of improving connectivity for Skelmersdale.
I would simplify the DfT statement by removing the word bus. All transport links should be improved.
Consider.
- By the end of 2023, there will be five stations between Kirkby and Wigan; Headbolt Lane, Rainford, Upholland, Orrell and Pemberton.
- Upholland station is the nearest to Skelmersdale.
- Headbolt Lane station is being built with approximately 300 car parking spaces.
- Rainford station has ten car parking spaces.
- Upholland station has no car parking.
- Orrell station has no car parking.
- Pemberton station has no car parking.
- From Google Maps it doesn’t look promising to add parking at Rainford, Upholland, Orrell and Pemberton stations.
- Only Headbolt Lane station will have bicycle parking.
- Headbolt Lane station will have direct rail access to Liverpool.
- Headbolt Lane, Rainford, Upholland, Orrell and Pemberton stations will have direct rail access to Wigan and Manchester.
- Headbolt Lane station will be built with provision for buses.
- Skelmersdale bus station is at the main shopping centre in the centre of the town.
After Headbolt station opens in 2023, I would do the following.
- Provide a high-capacity bus service between Headbolt Lane station and Skelmersdale.
- Provide secure bicycle parking at Rainford, Upholland, Orrell and Pemberton stations.
- Investigate a bus service between Upholland station and Skelmersdale.
- Monitor all passenger movements in the area, to see whether a rail link is needed.
Once Headbolt Lane station and the new services settle down, it should be possible to make a good estimate of the number of passengers who would use the rail link.
These are my thoughts on a lower-cost service to a new Skelmersdale station.
The Current Plan For A Branch To Skelmersdale
This map from OpenRailwayMap shows the proposed future railway between Skelmersdale and the Wigan and Kirkby Line.
Note.
- The new branch to Skelmersdale is shown dotted.
- The Northern end of the branch is in the Concourse shopping centre in Skelmersdale.
- The branch goes under the M 58 Motorway.
- The branch joins the Wigan and Kirkby Line in a triangular junction.
- Rainford station is to the West of the junction.
- Upholland station is to the East of the junction.
It could be a complete solution.
Will There Be A Direct Service Between Skelmersdale And Liverpool?
I feel the design of Headbolt Lane station precludes this, as there doesn’t appear to be a line through Headbolt Lane station, as all three platforms are terminal platforms, with two serving Liverpool and one serving Wigan and Manchester.
Passengers would need to change at Headbolt Lane station, if travelling between Skelmersdale And Liverpool.
Will There Be A Direct Service Between Skelmersdale And Manchester?
This would appear to be possible.
Could The Original Route Be Used?
The original Skelmersdale Branch ran between Rainford and Ormskirk, with a station on the West side of Skelmersdale.
This Google Map shows the route.
Note.
- Skelmersdale town centre and the Concourse shopping centre are in the North-East corner of the map.
- The M 58 motoway runs across the top of the map.
- The dark green scar of the Skelmersdale branch runs down the West side of the map.
- Just below, where the motorway and the old railway cross, there is a large landfill.
- Rainford station on the Wigan and Kirkby Line is towards the bottom of the map.
I wonder, if a lower-cost track layout could be slotted in partially using the route of the old railway.
- It would be mainly single track.
- The branch would only connect to Headbolt Lane station.
- A passing loop would be needed to run two trains per hour (tph).
- It might be possible to slot a single-track through to the centre of Skelmersdale.
Would it be an alternative, if a Park-And-Ride station were built near or on top of the landfill?
What Would Be The Train Service?
Southport station has the following services.
- Four tph to and from Liverpool
- Two tph to and from Wigan Wallgate and Manchester
I think reasons of fairness would dictate that Skelmersdale has a two tph service to both Liverpool and Manchester.
It is also worth looking at the services through Wigan Wallgate station.
- 1 tph – between Southport and Alderley Edge via Westhoughton and Manchester Piccadilly
- 1 tph – between Southport and Stalybridge via Westhoughton and Manchester Victoria
- 1 tph – between Kirkby and Blackburn via Atherton and Manchester Victoria
The third service does not run on Sundays. This is surely an omission in the timetable, that should be rectified.
Wigan Wallgate And Skelmersdale Via Headbolt Lane
As I said earlier Headbolt Lane station is a station with three terminal platforms, two of which will have trains to and from Liverpool and the other will have trains to and from Wigan Wallgate and Manchester.
If Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale stations are connected by a route using the original branch, it would be possible to run a service between Wigan Wallgate and Skelmersdale stations with a reverse at Headbolt Lane station.
Note.
- The Kirkby and Wigan Wallgate Line is double-track and all stations have two platforms.
- A passing loop on the Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale section would probably be needed for two tph.
- Passengers between Skelmersdale and Liverpool would change at Headbolt Lane station.
- There would be no changes to services between Liverpool and Headbolt Lane stations and they would remain at 4 tph.
- Preferably, Wigan Wallgate and Skelmersdale would operate at two tph.
- All stations between Wigan Wallgate and Headbolt Lane would get two tph to Manchester.
- I estimate that Wigan Wallgate to Skelmersdale is less than twenty miles.
- In Bolton-Wigan £78m Rail Electrification Project Announced, I indicate that Wigan Wallgate station will be electrified.
The service to Manchester could either be direct or with a change at Wigan Wallgate to a Southport service.
A Shuttle Train Between Wigan Wallgate And Skelmersdale Via Headbolt Lane
This may be an alternative to running the Skelmersdale service all the way to Manchester.
- Services would terminate in the bay Platform 3 at Wigan Wallgate station.
- Passengers to and from Manchester would catch a Southport train.
- The frequency of the shuttle train would be two tph.
Using a shuttle would need less trains.
Rolling Stock
The Wikipedia entry for the Kirkby branch line, shows the service being run by a Class 150 train, which are diesel-powered.
Services on the Manchester and Southport Line are run by a variety of diesel multiple units and all Class 769 trains.
If the platforms at Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale are built to handle four-car trains, then Northern have any number of diesel multiple units and the Class 769 trains, which could run the service.
But there is also the possibility of using battery-electric multiple units, like the Class 321 BEMU train, that I wrote about in Eversholt Rail And Vivarail To Develop Class 321 BEMU.
- The distance between Wigan Wallgate and Skelmersdale is probably about twenty miles.
- Charging would be needed at Skelmersdale station.
- Wigan Wallgate would need an electrified route to Manchester.
- It also appears that the Class 321 BEMU, which will have a 30 minute range could handle the Wigan Wallgate and Southport leg on batteries.
- If a battery-electric shuttle train is used between Wigan Wallgate and Skelmersdale, it would be charged at both ends of the route.
It appears to me, that if Network Rail electrify between Wigan Wallgate and Manchester, then services between Manchester and Kirkby, Skelmersdale and Southport could be run by Class 321 BEMU trains, which with their Renatus interiors will not be British Rail trains rescued from the scrapyard.
It will also mean passengers between Liverpool and Skelmersdale will be using two smart trains.
Conclusion
Consider.
- New track should be the minimum possible between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale stations.
- Network Rail must electrify between Manchester and Wigan Wallgate.
- Class 321 BEMU trains should be used between Manchester and Headbolt Lane, Skelmersdale and Southport.
I believe that there is an affordable solution to the provision of electric train services to Skelmersdale somewhere in my ramblings.
Green Light For New £80m Merseyrail Station
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the Liverpool Echo.
These are the first two paragraphs.
The station was hailed as a key part of the town’s “bright future” tonight as councillors met to consider the proposal at a meeting of Knowsley Council ’s planning committee.
Based at Headbolt lane in the Tower Hill/ Northwood area of Kirkby, the station, which will take around 18 months to build, will become the first in the country to have trains operating by battery power instead of electrified lines on part of the track.
This Google Map shows the location of the station.
And this planning document from Knowsley Council shows the station road layout.
Note.
- Kirkby station and Liverpool is to the West.
- Wigan is to the East.
- There is adequate car parking.
I have also enlarged the area around the station buildings to show the platform layout.
Note.
- There are two platforms and tracks towards Liverpool.
- There is a single platform towards Wigan.
- There appears to be adequate cycle storage and blue badge parking.
In Headbolt Lane Station Fly-Through, I described the new Headbolt Lane station.
This screen capture is from the video in that post.
Note.
- Two platforms going away from the camera and one platform and what looks to be a siding going towards the camera.
- There appears to be no direct connection between the two different sets of tracks.
From the maps the camera is looking towards Liverpool,so it would mean that Liverpool services had two platforms. But they currently make do with one at Kirkby.
There appears to be no clues about how the station will be modified to serve Skelmersdale.
Skelmersdale Railway Station Could Finally Happen – If Government Says Yes
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Lancs Live.
The article is a good summary of why Skelmersdale needs a station.
But it doesn’t mention that any service to Skelmersdale will probably go via Merseyrail’s new station at Headbolt Lane.
Will Hitachi ABB Power Grids Technology Be Used At Headbolt Lane Station?
Today, I was sent a link to the North Cheshire Rail User Group’s Newsletter for Spring 2021.
Current Progress on Merseyrail’s Class 777 Trains
This is said in the newsletter about the progress of the new Class 777 trains.
At a recent meeting of the Liverpool City Region rail user groups hosted by Liam Robinson, Chair of
Merseytravel, a short presentation was given detailing progress in bringing the new Class 777 Stadler fleet into
operation. NCRUG has been keeping a keen watch on the introduction of this new fleet; later model Class 777’s
have the ability to leave the 3rd rail and operate under battery power for 20 miles or more with a full load thus
permitting expansion of the Merseyrail network beyond its current limits.Particularly of interest in our patch is the Ellesmere Port to Helsby line, although at one point in the meeting I
did raise the concept of ultimately having a complete Merseyrail service circling the Mersey Estuary on a metro
styled basis Ambitious certainly, but unrealistic as a long-term goal? There would be considerable work required
at Liverpool south Parkway to connect the Merseyrail line to the network, however the terrain is suitably flat and
the trains will be capable. This obvious evolution of the network did seem to take the meeting by surprise.Unfortunately the much anticipated introduction of the Class 777’s has been delayed for a number of factors,
not least of all the pandemic but border issues and storage also play a part. Trails are taking place on the Kirby
and Ormskirk lines, and full introduction might not be until as late as next year. The Liverpool City Region has a
clearly defined set of (deliverable) objectives for development of the rail network and the expansion has been
prioritised with a line to Skelmersdale being top of the list and the first step of that being a new station at Headbolt
Lane, Kirby – plans are already well developed for this. It is expected to be this line where proof of concept trails
will be conducted for the battery powered 777’s, although Merseyrail does have authorisation to use Ellesmere
Port–Helsby on account of the low traffic movements on that line! Network expansion is being considered to
Widnes via Hunts Cross and possibly as far as Warrington, but when the question of Ellesmere Port–Helsby
was raised, the route, although under consideration, was not high on the priority list. I suspect it will be at least
several years away and I’m sure the delayed introduction of the type will not only come as a disappointment for
NCRUG but also the Community Rail Partnership and CWaC Council, who have funded a basic feasibility study
into possible demand. Therefore we are left with the Northern Trains service for the foreseeable future – 3 return
trains daily on the current schedule.
After reading this extract, I am puzzled. The original priority was to use the battery capabilities of the new Class 777 trains to extend the Ellesmere Port service to Helsby.
- Ellesmere Port and Helsby stations are 5.2 miles apart.
- Ellesmere Port has a two trains per hour (tph) service to Birkenhead and Liverpool.
- Ellesmere Port and Helsby stations are linked by a three trains per day (tpd) service.
Helsby station has comprehensive connections to Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington Bank Quay station.
Two tph between Ellesmere Port and Helsby stations would certainly improve train services in the area and probably explains the disappointment shown by the writer of the newsletter.
So why have Merseyrail switched the emphasis to battery trains to Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale from Ellesmere Port and Helsby?
Headbolt Lane Station
Headbolt Lane station is a station of an unusual design, which I wrote about in Headbolt Lane Station Fly-Through.
- Two platforms appear to face West towards Liverpool.
- One platform appears to face East towards Wigan and Manchester.
- The platforms meet head-on and a walkway runs between them to allow passengers to access all platforms.
- There appears to be provision for a fourth platform to serve Skelmersdale. which is to the East of Headbolt Lane.
I think the design means that access to all platforms is level, passengers can enter from both sides of the railway and the station doesn’t need an expensive bridge.
Between Kirkby And Headbolt Lane Stations
Headbolt Lane and Kirkby stations are a couple of miles apart at most. So were Merseyrail hoping to extend the third-rail electrification to Headbolt Lane station, but the Office of Rail and Road has more or less said that no more third-rail electrification is allowed. See ORR’s Policy On Third Rail DC Electrification Systems.
So are Merseyrail having to use battery power between Kirkby and Headbolt Lane stations?
If they are then they have the trains.
As according to the extract from the Cheshire Rail User Group’s Newsletter, the Class 777 trains have a range of twenty miles on battery power, then this should be no problem.
The Skelmersdale Shuttle
The design of Headbolt Lane station does mean that there will be no through running between Liverpool and Skelmersdale.
So it looks to me, that to allow full step-free access to all platforms, the Skelmersdale service will be a battery-electric shuttle train.
- It could also be the only train on a single-track between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale, which would simplify signalling and operation.
- Two tph could be possible with a single train.
- The train would be charged in either termini using an appropriate charging system.
How many other simple branch lines could be run that way or built new?
Headbolt Lane And Manchester Victoria Via Wigan Wallgate
Consider.
- The distance between Headbolt Lane and Manchester Victoria stations is just under thirty miles, which is well within range of the average battery-electric trains currently under development.
- As the current Kirkby and Manchester Victoria stations is run by Northern Trains and they are likely to be acquiring some Class 331 trains with a battery capability, these will surely be an ideal train.
- The train would be charged in the East-facing platform at Headbolt Lane station using an appropriate charging system.
Headbolt Lane station would be a diesel-free station. As incidentally, so would Kirkby and Skelmersdale stations.
Charging Trains At Headbolt Lane Station
It would appear that both East-facing platforms at Headbolt Lane station will need to charge these trains.
- A Class 777 train with a third-rail capability and the ability in the future to access overhead electrification.
- A Class 331 train with no third-rail capability and the ability to access overhead electrification.
Class 777 trains from Liverpool would hopefully have enough power in their batteries to return to Kirkby.
It would appear that a short length of 25 KVAC overhead electrification in both platforms would be ideal for charging trains to and from Manchester and Skelmersdale.
If one of Hitachi ABB Power Grids’s containerised overhead electrification power systems could handle both platforms, it would surely be ideal.
A crossover to allow Manchester and Skelmersdale trains to use either East-facing platform, might be desirable, as it could improve reliability.
Conclusion
It looks like Hitachi ABB Power Grids can provide a sensible solution to handling battery-electric trains at Headbolt Lane station. Or for that matter at any station, where battery-electric trains interface with the UK rail network.
Headbolt Lane Station Fly-Through
I had to show this Merseytravel YouTube video, as I feel the new Headbolt Lane station uses some interesting ideas.
This Google Map shows Headbolt Lane and the railway.
Note.
- The footbridge over the railway. I took the pictures from and around this bridge in Merseyrail To Skelmersdale – Headbolt Lane Station.
- The footbridge can’t be seen in the YouTube video.
Liverpool is to the West and Wigan is to the East.
These are my thoughts.
Is The Station North Or South Of The Railway?
As it is called Headbolt Lane, the station must have good access from that road, otherwise travellers will get rather confused.
So until proven otherwise, I will assume that the station must be to the North of the railway.
Which Way Is Liverpool In the Video?
If the station is North of the railway, then in the first part of the video, the visualisation approaches the station from the North and Liverpool is to the right and Wigan is to the left.
If that is right, then the yellow bus always points towards Liverpool.
How Many Platforms?
Wikipedia says that Headbolt Lane station will have three platforms.
From the video there will be two platforms for trains to and from Liverpool, although the current layout at Kirkby station makes do with just one platform.
There would also appear to be a single platform for trains to and from Wigan, Bolton and Manchester.
But there is a second Eastern track shown in the video, which possibly indicates provision has been made for a second platform for services in that direction.
Wot No Bridge?
It would appear that there is no bridge over or subway under the railway.
But it does appear that the platform layout shown allows passengers to walk between the ends of the tracks on the level to the platform or platforms on the side of the station away from the station building.
Will There Be A Second Entrance To The Station On The Other Side Of The Tracks?
The layout would allow this and it could be useful for those passengers living or working on that side of the railway.
Is The Platform Layout Unique?
I have travelled widely looked at railway stations all over the world.
But I can’t remember seeing a layout like this.
The layout does have advantages.
- An expensive bridge with lifts will not be needed.
- There is nothing mechanical or electrical to go wrong.
- Extra platforms can be added if required.
- It can also be used as a simple step-free way to cross the railway.
I suspect that the layout could be used in other places.
Train Frequencies To Liverpool
The current service between Kirkby station and Liverpool is four trains per hour (tph), which is handled on a single platform.
One platform at Headbolt Lane would surely be sufficient, but a second platform must surely allow extra services and provide more resilience in case of train failure.
Train Frequencies To Wigan, Bolton And Manchester
The current service between Kirkby station and Manchester is one tph, which is handled on a single platform.
One platform at Headbolt Lane would surely be sufficient and could easily handle two tph.
Are two platforms provided for Liverpool services, so that extra services could be run in the Peak or to provide more resilience, should a train fail in the station.
A Service To Skelmersdale
Consider.
- Skelmersdale is about five miles North of the line between Headbolt Lane and Wigan.
- One of Merseyrail’s current Class 507 trains covers the 5.5 miles between Kirkby and Sandhills station in twelve minutes.
- The proposed layout of Headbolt Lane station does not allow direct services between Liverpool and Skelmersdale.
These distances and timing would mean the following.
- A single shuttle train between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale could run a two tph service.
- A pair of shuttle trains between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale could run a four tph service.
Passengers would need to change trains at Headbolt Lane station.
This may seem less passenger-friendly than a direct service, but it could be the most affordable option.
And it could always be improved with modifications at Headbolt Lane station.
Is There A Role For Battery-Electric Trains?
Consider.
- For Health and Safety reasons, it is very unlikely that any new third-rail track will be laid in the UK.
- The distance between the current Kirkby station and the new Headbolt Lane station is about 1.5 miles.
- The distance between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale stations is less than eight miles.
- I suspect Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale stations would both have good power supplies.
- Merseyrail’s new Class 777 trains have a battery capability.
Would this allow the following?
- Liverpool and Headbolt Lane services to use battery power between Kirkby and Headbolt Lane station. All charging would be done between Liverpool and Kirkby.
- The shuttle train between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale would work on battery power, with batteries charged at both ends of the route.
There is also the possibility, that the Headbolt Lane and Manchester Victoria service could be run using battery-electric Class 331 trains.
- Headbolt Lane and Manchester Victoria will be a 28.5 mile service with a couple of miles of electrification at the Manchester end.
- I estimate that the battery-electric Class 331 trains will have sufficient range to handle this route with charging at Headbolt Lane station.
- Currently, trains from Manchester Victoria take over ten minutes to turnround at Kirkby station.
- Provision for a charger could be built into Headbolt Lane station.
It would be a simple way to electrify the Kirkby and Manchester Victoria service.
In addition, battery-electric Class 331 trains are likely to have longer battery range than the Class 777 trains.
So might it be better if the Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale shuttle was worked by battery-electric Class 331 trains.
If the two East-facing platforms at Headbolt Lane station were to be fitted with charging facilities, this would give an increased level of reliability.
Could Northern’s Manchester Victoria Service Terminate At Skelmersdale?
If both services were to be run by Northern’s battery-electric Class 331 trains, this could be a possibility.
- A reverse would be needed at Headbolt Lane station.
- I estimate that 2tph on the route would fit together well.
- Trains would be charged at Skelmersdale station.
- Chargers might not be needed at Headbolt Lane station.
In addition, a two tph service would fit in well with four or six tph to Liverpool.
Conclusion
It’s almost as if Headbolt Lane station could consist of three elements.
- The station facilities, bus interchange and car parking.
- A two-platform station for Merseyrail services to Liverpool
- A two-platform station with charging facilities for Northern services to Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester Victoria, Skelmersdale and Wigan.
All services from Headbolt Lane station will be run by battery-electric reains.
Costs have been saved by the following.
- Not having a bridge over the tracks.
- Maintaining the separation between Northern and Merseyrail services.
- Not electrifying between Kirkby and Headbolt Lane stations.
- Not electrifying the Skelmersdale Branch.
The whole station appears to have been designed on a single level.
A First Visualisation Of Headbolt Lane Station
This visualisation of the proposed Headbolt Lane station in Kirkby has appeared on several web sites.
Wikipedia also says that the station will have one platform and as there is a Class 777 train on the left hand side of what I take to be the station building, I would assume that is the platform.
It looks an interesting station layout with a wide concourse with trains on one side and buses on the other.
I can’t work out from the image, if there is a long shelter alongside the train, as one sees on some tram stops. But if it was felt necessary one could surely be fitted to give passengers some covering in inclement weather.
As the station also features five-hundred parking spaces, these must be arranged around the station on this side of the railway, which is currently just a single track.
The Plans On Rail Future
This page on the Rail Future web site is entitled A Station Back In Skelmersdale and it indicates the following.
- A map shows a spur, which is connected to the Kirkby and Wigan Line, by a large triangular junction between Rainford and Upholland stations, running North to Skelmersdale.
- Services of two tph between Liverpool and Skelmersdale and an hourly service between Manchester and Skelmersdale are proposed.
- Rainford station would appear to exchange a direct link to Manchester for a direct link to Liverpool. But then Rainford is in Merseyside and Upholland and Skelmersdale are in Lancashire.
With these proposals the junction and the spur would only need to be single-track, with Skelmersdale station only needing a single-platform.
Could the following simplifications also be done?
- Upholland and Rainford stations become single platform stations
- The track between the two stations is mothballed or even removed.
- There would only be a single track between both stations and Skelmersdale station.
There’s certainly scope to save money on construction and maintenance.
Could this single track and platform design be the reason, why Headbolt Lane station only has a single platform?
Consider.
- The current Kirkby station, handles four tph to and from Liverpool City Centre on a single platform.
- The line becomes double-track to the East of Fazakerley station.
- I suspect double-track is needed to allow 4 tph
I suspect Headbolt Lane station could handle four tph to and from Liverpool, but there may need to be some double-track between Kirkby and Headbolt Lane stations.
I also estimate that to travel the return journey on the approximately eight miles between Headbolt Land and Skelmersdale station will take about thirty minutes.
Would this mean that it were possible to create a timetable, which allowed four tph between Liverpool and Headbolt Lane stations and two tph between Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale stations?
- The single platform would be bi-directional.
- Two tph out of four arriving at Headbolt Lane station would reverse and go back to Liverpool.
- The other two tph would continue to Skelmersdale.
- The two tph returning from Skelmersdale would continue to Liverpool.
It would be one for the Busby Berkeley of train time-tabling.
The alternative of running four tph between Liverpool and Skelmersdale would need the following.
- Full double-tracking between Fazakerley and Skelmersdale stations.
- Two platform stations at Kirkby, Headbolt Lane and Rainford, which would need step-free bridges.
It would be a much more expensive scheme.
How Much New Electrification Would Be Needed?
Given the politics of third-rail electrification, I suspect the scheme will use as little as possible.
If the battery-equipped Class 777 trains can run the return journey between Kirkby and Skelmersdale stations, then all track to the East of Kirkby station could be without electrification.
This would probably also mean that the current power supply wouldn’t need to be upgraded to cope with additional electrification.
Could There Be A Two tph Service Between Skelmersdale And Manchester?
I don’t think a single-track line between Upholland and Skelmersdale would rule this out, but having two two tph services might need a second platform at Skelmersdale station.
On the other hand, the Manchester and Liverpool services could be timed to allow a cross-platform interchange at Skelmersdale.
This would mean that someone wanting to go between say Sandhills and Bolton would go direct with a quick change at Skelmersdale.
Could There Be Through Running Between Manchester And Kirkby?
Four tph between Liverpool and Headbolt Lane station with two tph extending to Skelmersdale, running through the single-platform stations at Kirkby, Headbolt Lane and Rainford, would probably make the current Manchester and Kirkby service difficult, if not impossible.
But as the change at Kirkby will be replaced with one at Skelmersdale, it would be more of an inconvenience than a disaster.
In addition, if two tph were to be run between Manchester and Skelmersdale and the trains were timetabled to meet at Skelmersdale, this would effectively be a pseudo-through service.
A single track could be left between Upholland and Rainford for engineering trains and possibly the occasional freight train.
Strategic Car Parking
Consider.
- The new Headbolt Lane station, is going to be provided with five hundred car-parking spaces.
- The new Skelmersdale station will probably have adequate provision.
- At the present time, Rainford and Upholland stations don’t appear to have any parking.
I would suggest, that a good look is taken at car and bicycle parking at all stations to the East of Headbolt Lane station.
Conclusion
It appears to be a scheme, that has been designed to keep costs to a minimum.
But that probably means, it is more likely to get built!
I also like the concept of a large station concourse alongside a single platform and track, which will probably be without electrification. It should be very safe too!
It is strange, that I’ve not seen that layout before either in the UK or on the many railways, that I’ve used abroad.
Government Boost To Reopen Skelmersdale Rail Link To Manchester And Liverpool
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Lancs Live.
These two paragraphs give the whole story.
Rosie Cooper says the government has given her new assurances that it is committed to creating a Skelmersdale rail link.
Transport minister Chris Heaton-Harris told the West Lancashire Labour MP that an initial £500m funding pot set aside for reopening lines closed under the Beeching Act could be used towards ongoing efforts for Skelmersdale.
To my mind, Skelmersdale illustrates the appalling planning of the 1960s.
These dates are from Wikipedia.
- November 5th, 1956 – Skelmersdale station closed to passenger services.
- January 10th, 1957 – Harold Macmillan becomes Prime Minister
- 1961 – Skelmersdale was designated a new town.
- March 27th, 1963 – Beeching Report
- October 19th, 1963 – Sir Alec Douglas Hume becomes Prime Minister
- November 4th, 1963 – Skelmersdale station closed to all services.
- October 16th, 1964 – Harold Wilson becomes Prime Minister
- 1968-1970 – The M58 opens to connect Skelmersdale to the M6 and the M57 at Switch Island.
- June 19th, 1970 – Edward Heath becomes Prime Minister.
It looks like a rail connection to the new town was removed, but a comprehensive road network was built.
This policy seems to be very different to decisions taken at Billericay, Crawley, Harlow, Hemel Hempstead, Kirkby, Milton Keynes and Stevenage, where rail connections were at least maintained.
The Latest Plan For Skelmersdale Station
This is the latest plan for Skelmersdale station, according to the Wikipedia entry.
It has been proposed a new station at Skelmersdale would act as the terminus for Merseyrail’s Northern Line, with connections available to Wigan and Manchester. Initial estimates suggest that the scheme could cost around £300 million to develop. On page 36 of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Long Term Rail Strategy document of October 2017, it states that Merseytravel is currently working with Lancashire County Council and Network Rail to develop a plan to extend the Merseyrail network from Kirkby through to Skelmersdale, with work completed in 2019. They are considering 3rd rail electrification and other alternatives with a new station at Headbolt Lane to serve the Northwood area of Kirkby. The document on page 37 states two trials of electric 3rd rail/battery trains will be undertaken in 2020, this is one of the “alternatives”
Lancashire County Council approved a plan in May 2019 to commission an outline business case into reopening the station which will be presented to the government.
Note.
- The possible site of Headbolt Lane station and the Concourse Shopping Centre in Skelmersdale are about 8 miles apart.
- Will the trains to Wigan and Manchester be direct or via a change at the new Headbolt Lane station?
- The reference to battery-electric trains, which would be able to handle the sixteen-mile round trip easily.
The site of the station will be at the former Glenburn Sports College, which is a couple of hundred metres to the East of the Concourse Shopping Centre.
This Google Map shows the location.
I would feel that this is very convenient.
- The former Glenburn Sports college is marked by the red arrow.
- The Concourse Shopping Centre is to the West of the station.
- The station would be well-connected to the road network.
- The approach track to the station could probably run by the side of Southway and cross it using a bridge or underpass.
This second Google Map shows the station in relation to the Kirkby Branch Line.
Note.
- The Glenburn Campus is indicated with the red marker at the top of the map.
- The M58 goes across the map.
- Rainford station is in the South-West corner of the map.
- Upholland station is on the Eastern edge of the map below the M58.
The Kirkby Branch Line links the two stations.
- The Kirkby Branch Line continues to the West to the new Headbolt Lane station, Kirkby station and Liverpool city centre.
- The Kirkby Branch Line continues to the East to Wigan Wallgate, Bolton and Manchester Victoria stations.
- The Kirkby Branch Line is double-track to the East of Rainford and single-track to the West.
How will Skelmersdale station be connected to the Kirkby Branch Line?
If you look at the previous map, notice that a network of roads lead down from the Concourse Shopping Centre and then go under the M58. From the Google Map, it looks like the roads go under the M58 where there is a generous bridge.
This Google Map shows the section of the route on both sides of the M58.
It looks to me that a single-track railway could be run between the new Skelmersdale station and the Kirkby Branch Line.
- Merseyrail’s new Class 777 trains are not large trains and I am certain a single track could be squeezed in alongside the roads.
- The distance is about three miles and a train would take about six minutes or around about fifteen minutes for the round trip.
- Four trains per hour (tph) would be possible, which is the same frequency as the current service between Kirkby station and Liverpool.
Putting this together, I think the following would be possible.
- A single track line without electrification between the Kirkby Branch Line and the new Skelmersdale station to the East of the Concourse Shopping Centre on the Glenburn Sports Campus site.
- Class 777 trains would use battery power to the East of Headbolt Lane station.
- The trains would charge their batteries between Liverpool and Headbolt Lane station.
- The branch would leave the Kirkby Branch Line to the East of Headbolt Lane station.
- Up to four tph between Liverpool Central and Skelmersdale stations, calling at all stations.
- Up to two tph between Headbolt Lane and Manchester Victoria stations via Wigan.
- Passengers between Skelmersdale and Manchester would change at Headbolt Lane station.
Other schemes would be possible, but allowing a direct Manchester and Skelmersdale service might be complicated and add substantially to the cost.
Boris Johnson Vows New Life For High Streets And Axed Rail Lines
The title of this post is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the introductory paragraph.
Boris Johnson is promising to revitalise “left behind” high streets through tax cuts for pubs and shops and reversing some of the Beeching rail cuts to branch lines.
The article gives a map of the lines and here is a list of them.
- Newcastle and Ashington/Blyth.
- Bristol and Portishead
- Camp Hill Line
- Willenhall and Darlaston
- Thornton-Cleveleys and Fleetwood
- Okehampton and Exeter
- March and Wisbech
- Uckfield and Lewes
- A new station he building of a station at Skelmersdale.
I will suggest other possibilities and add them here.
- West Hampstead and Hounslow – Part of the West London Orbital Railway
- Brent Cross and Kew – Part of the West London Orbital Railway
- Cirencester – See Could Cirencester Be Reconnected To The Rail Network?
There could be several!
The Technology Is With Us!
Anyone who follows railway technology, as I do, knows that technology coming on stream will ease the creation of these routes.
- Modern digital in-cab signalling, as already used on Thameslink.
- Battery-electric trains.
- Innovative charging for battery-electric trains.
- Hydrogen-powered trains.
- Tram-trains
- Automatic train control
- Remote services in simple depots.
- Better bridge-raising and other construction techniques.
Many of these new routes will be able to use a standard train.
Merseyrail To Skelmersdale – Skelmersdale Station
In Merseyrail To Skelmersdale – How To Plan A New Rail-Link, I talked about a new Skelmersdale station.
From Kirkby, I took a taxi to look at the sites of Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale stations.
These pictures were taken in and around the Concourse Shopping Centre at Skelmersdale.
The Shopping Centre has everything needed for a railway station, if one should be built nearby.
This Google Map shows the Concourse Shopping Centre.
As the rail line from the junction to the East of Rainford station comes in from the South, I’m sure that Merseyrail have a good place to put the station, so that passengers can walk into the Concourse Shopping Centre.
Passengers might even be able to use the existing bridge.
The Anonymous Widower 