Sorry to reply on an old thread but the map is a bit hard to interpret in parts.
I hope, for example, the medium term plan is for the Bootle Branch (Spellow etc) to have Overhead electrification. That would work well with 1. Feasibility study planned for late 2007 into Overhead electrification of the Chat Moss Route. 2. Increasing use of existing Overhead electrification at Lime Street High Level, and 3. Encouraging the electrification of Seaforth Docks for freight (like Garston Docks). Although Merseyrail is not about freight nonetheless there is major room that for cost sharing, synergy and port development. Basically, if you plan your cards right you can get most of the cost of Overhead Electrification paid for you and bring the port more prosperity :-)
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The other idea I don't see kicked around is bringing third-rail electrification across Runcorn Gap. This would be a major contribution in bringing Chester and North Wales air passengers to Liverpool in preference to Manchester, especially if Liverpool South Parkway to Chester (via Runcorn) were third-rail electrified before a new line is built from Manchester Airport to the weak Altrincham-Northwich line as proposed. I think Runcorn-Chester-LSP third-rail would attract a lot more traffic than either extending beyond Ellesmere Port or the Borderlands. Electrifying either Halton curve or Hartford Curve (increases WCML capacity if Hartford station is relocated) can be played off to see which is cheaper for Merseyrail's share of costs.
btw The suggestion for a super-large "Car Park and Ride" at Bidston is a great idea.
Originally Posted by
oritelad
Merseyrail Future
There have been various suggestions for ways to enlarge the Merseyrail network lately. Some would extend beyond the current area, whilst others would use existing lines or track beds, i am in regular contact with nick scales who is head of merseyrail so i get most of my info from him as well as others i know in merseyrail. below is just about everythink that has been proposed to be done by merseyrail in the future.
Third-rail electrification has been suggested for many lines, of which the Borderlands Line from Bidston to Wrexham, adding another branch . ...
and thats about everythink below is a map of the future merseyrail network to give you a better idea. it the bottom map on the page
http://www.freewebs.com/oritelad/maps.htm
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