27.09.13
Ordsall Chord article
Source: Nonsuchmike
The writer, Peter Johnston, has immense experience and knowledge of track and train flows in this area, so his voice must be listened to. However, I would argue that we can have our cake and eat it too. We take the Ordsall Chord and plan for widening of the rail track at some time in the future from approx Deansgate to Mayfield, with extra platforms along the way. The cost is scarcely going to be in the HS2 category.
In addition, I would press for both Chat Moss and CLC routes to be used and trains from the west (Liverpool/N. Wales) to the east and North East to use BOTH Victoria Exchange (sorry old habits die hard) AND Piccadilly/Mayfield. This would be of enormous benefit to the people of greater Manchester and beyond. If this means building more double track on a viaduct alongside the existing track out of Piccadilly – why not?
That would still leave room in ten years time or so for the HS2 link into the north Side of Piccadilly, and may support the argument for onward extensions to Liverpool, the N.W. and Glasgow, as there is additional lineage through Manchester.
Re: Behind the curve - The Ordsall Chord is a poor choice