Project Overview
Halton Curve connects the line between Weaver Junction and Liverpool Lime street to the line between Chester and Warrington. The line was served by one scheduled passenger service (on summer Saturdays only). Originally double track, the line had been single since 1980s and the train movements are only possible in the down direction (towards Liverpool) due to removal of the Up-running line and associated S&C.
It was proposed to introduce a direct train service from Chester to Liverpool Lime Street via Halton Curve to provide a second Railway Line between Chester and Liverpool. In order to facilitate this, it was anticipated that the infrastructure will need to be upgraded between Halton and Frodsham Junctions.
High level validation of the engineering principles associated with the scheme to upgrade Halton Curve branch line was carried out to confirm the viability of the scheme with the dominant engineering disciplines associate with this project.
Softech developed a signalling scheme sketch detailing the most appropriate signalling solution for the option at the most economic cost along with an Option selection report. A single bi-directional line with cross-over on each main line with increased speed (40 mph) of turnouts onto single chord at both; Frodsham & Halton Junction was proposed. The line was to be provided with full colour-light signals and track circuit block.
This option allowed the junction and the chord to operate trains at 40 mph with the provision of junction signalling, thus provided quicker moves out of the junction.
