Ordsall Chord Rail Link Nears Completion

I have been following the construction of the new Ordsall Chord rail link over the last 18 months and it is great to see this major new piece of infrastructure approaching completion on schedule. The new line provides a direct link between Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly stations for the first time. This will allow trains from Yorkshire to Manchester Airport to be routed around the city centre rather than having to reverse in the terminal platforms at Piccadilly.

The Ordsall Chord link passes within a few metres of the historic Liverpool Road station; the original terminus of Stephenson's Manchester - Liverpool route of 1830. Much effort has been expended on integrating the new infrastructure in a sympathetic manner with the historic structures, many of which are Grade 1 or Grade 2 listed. Removal of some of the later bridges constructed in the area has opened up improved views of Stephenson's original 1830 viaduct over the River Irwell and the new pedestrian footbridge across the river will provide an excellent vantage point for both the new and historic bridges.

A new design of overhead line portal has been installed on the viaducts either side of the bridge giving a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is interesting to see the standard Network Rail Series 2 overhead line components being used on the new portals and on the viaduct itself. The design of the steel structure of the bridge is continued along the adjacent viaducts to give a distinct design element for the whole of the chord line.

The first service trains are due to run over the link in December with more services introduced in 2018 as other enhancement projects are completed across the north. The benefits of this short section of new line will be felt over a much wider region as it allows the various elements of the Northern Hub (now Great North Rail) project to reach fruition.