The post-war modernisation of British Railways saw the introduction of ‘panel’ signal boxes covering many route miles on busy main lines.
Stopping short at Manchester could spell bad news for an economically resurgent Liverpool. Says Andrew Morris, Director of 20 Miles More, ‘An HS2 link to Liverpool will ensure that the economic growth that is very much in evidence in the city will not be jeopardised.
‘It will also greatly assist the Port of Liverpool which is undergoing a massive expansion to handle the latest generation of carriers by freeing up freight capacity on the West Coast Main Line.’
Currently the Port of Liverpool is being expanded to accept ships carrying 13,500 containers – the current limit is 3,500. Shippers will need more paths for freight trains on the crowded West Coast Main Line.
Putting passenger express services on HS2 makes sense to freight forwarders and Liverpudlians alike. Supporters plan a vigorous campaign to ensure Liverpool is not by-passed by HS2.
