Skelton Junction
The lines today
Active
The only line currently in use is the line from Altrincham towards Stockport; this is used by the Chester to Manchester Piccadilly via Altrincham and Northwich service. Additionally, various freight workings use the line, including heavy block trains carrying limestone from quarries at Tunstead (near Buxton) to alkali works at Northwich.
Closed
The line via Broadheath and Lymm to Warrington closed on 7 July 1985 and has now been lifted. The line via West Timperley and Partington is still intact as far as Partington but has been disused since October 1993, when all regular freight traffic to the chemical works ceased. The Great Central Railway connection north from the CLC to the MSJ&A Rly towards Timperley Station closed before the Second World War. There used to be a small marshaling yard, including a turntable in the fork between the Altrincham and Partington lines. The yard was traversed by a long concrete footbridge known locally as The Black Bridge. A shorter green steel bridge, which is still known as The Black Bridge, has replaced this.
References
- ^ "MPs back rail Trafford revival plans". Messenger Newspapers. 9 March 2020.