Would I be right in saying, then, that this 'metropolitan line' in orange does not exist at all? Because if it did it would certainly put a new slant on things.
However, the tunnel that has been talked about, and can be seen in some of oritelad's pictures is very intriguing. I really must make a visit to these tunnels to see for myself. Access down to these tunnels looks difficult but I'll stick on a high-viz jacket and blag my way down (hopefully!).
It seems as though the tunnel still exists (as can be seen on the pic with the small hole in the fence) and even if it is small and was used as a eg, undergound shed, it certainly gives food for thought.
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But this site, the one seen in Waterways post sent at 01.36am on Thursday... what is it used for now? what is its purpose?
The 1970s diagram with the 'metropolitan line' does not look convincing to me. I don't know how it would work effectively, but I do agree that Central should be connected to Wapping tunnel, enabling direct trains from Ormskirk to Liverpool Parkway, and possibly a new station at Catherine St, although I believe the tunnel should be re-aligned if a new station is to be built, with a more centrally located station nearer the RC Cathedral. I'm not sure about the location of a Catherine St. Whos is it serving? Students.. I suppose, but not all, such as myself. The area is mainly populated by students living in the old Georgian houses who would probably never need to use the train.
I believe the Waterloo tunnel should be used to divert traffic away from the Lime St line. So all local trains from St Helens, Warrington, Anfield, Mossley Hill etc would use this line (with a new University station, near the north end of Crown St and east end of Brownlow Hill - ideal for students travelling from a future Smithdown station - which simply must go ahead) and still finish at Lime St. Not sure about the logistics of a tunnel connecting Waterloo to Lime St but I think these proposals are the most sensible that I can think of, as I am still to be convinced by the 'loop' ideas.
I also believe a realignment of the tunnel between Brunswick and Central MUST commence sooner rather than later, with a new station at King's Dock - a better location than the old Parliament St station. Times have changed and the rail network must adapt to these changes. Waterways is adamant about the need for undergound near Lodge Lane - but it's so close to town, let the buses take care of it.
One station I do agree with on this 'loop' is one near the Waterloo docks, so perhaps his 'loop' could work after all, but minus a Lodge Lane station!
****, I've gone off-topic.
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