Infrastructure


delivered in time for the December 2008 timetable change. Completion of that work does not mean there is nothing more to be done on the route. We are always looking at ways to improve punctuality, reliability and capacity and the Norton Bridge scheme is a case in point.’ Capacity on the WCML is becoming


increasingly restricted and, according to one Network Rail document seen by Rail Professional, certain parts of the line are


likely to be fully utilised by 2016. The document says: ‘We need to look to the future to understand how to respond to the challenges posed by the success of the railway and to look at ways in which we can meet growing demand.’ That’s the background to what’s being


termed the Stafford Area Improvement Project. The railway in the Stafford area sits at the centre of a complex network of lines. At Norton Bridge, some 5km north-


To Stone Meece Road


west of Stafford, there is a critical junction where trains travelling from London to Liverpool meet trains from Birmingham to Manchester. The current ‘flat’ junction reduces


train speeds and causes conflicts between train movements, resulting in capacity constraints and reduced reliability. Network Rail maintains it’s important to note that delays caused at Norton Bridge can spread to other parts of the network, reducing the performance of train services over a much wider area. Kaye maintains that the changes will also help to improve operational flexibility in the Norton Bridge area. She says: ‘At present, Birmingham


To Crewe Meece Brook


94m max


68m max


Smithy Lane


to Manchester services have to weave across the whole of the West Coast Main Line to access the Stone branch towards Stoke and Manchester. Once the route is set and points and signals are interlocked, nothing else can move on the main line until the Manchester train has accessed the branch. This is an inefficient operating situation that restricts train movements in the area.’ The improvement scheme is focused on


Scamnell Lane


103m max


Norton Bridge


Meece Brook


Station Road Searchlight Lane


Meece Brook


Chebsey


40m max


Worston Lane Key


Existing WCML Option A alignment


Option A1 alignment (variation of option A) Indicative distance between alignment A and A1


River Sow


Norton Bridge is currently the site of a critical ‘flat’ junction where trains travelling from London to Liverpool meet trains going from Birmingham to Manchester


To Stafford Little Bridgeford PAGE 24 DECEMBER 2011 To M6 Jn14


‘Birmingham to Manchester services have to weave across the whole of the WCML to access the Stone branch towards Stoke and Manchester’


74m max


Shallowford


eliminating conflicts between trains and increasing line speeds over the junction in order to free up capacity for both additional passenger and freight services. Various concepts have been developed following an initial assessment and consultation period last year. Network Rail has now been consulting on a


£200m scheme, which involves building a flyover. The scheme will involve the construction of up to 5km of track, with various cuttings and embankments. Public consultation will continue throughout 2011, before a final scheme is prepared in 2012. Approval for the project is expected to be granted by Easter 2014, with work commencing later that year.


PETER PLISNER is the BBC’s Midlands business and transport correspondent:


peter.plisner@railpro.co.uk


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B5026


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