Crewe-Manchester modernisation

The modernisation of the West Coast main line track route is detailed, particularly the Crewe-Manchester section. Although it was originally planned to complete all the work of the section at the same time, it is said to have proved impossible to schedule the resignalling works along with the new track works. Although a maximum speed of 60 mph has been imposed over the Crewe-Sandbach section, due to subsidence problems, track rebuilding should allow a line speed of 100 mph. Further rebuilding operations are mentioned between Crewe-Sandbach and Cheadle Hulme-Stockport. Modernisation works are also examined at the Slade Lane junction carrying traffic to Manchester Airport where platform capacity is to be increased. No changes are planned for Manchester Piccadilly so Trans-Pennine traffic from Leeds will continue to cross the entire layout on the level.