Transport link upgrade at ‘Halton Curve’ welcomed by Wrexham’s MP

Wrexham’s MP has welcomed work upgrading a crucial transport link to North Wales – however calls have been made for further investment and support for the North Wales Growth Deal.

As Wrexham.com reported on Monday, the latest work on the Halton Curve Upgrade – to the railway track near Frodsham – is set to take place over the next two weekends.

Some of the works being carried out include track renewal, new signalling – and a replacement signal panel for a set of levers which have controlled train movements since the 1900s.

Over the weekends, trains services will be replaced by a bus service running between Frodsham, Helsby and Runcorn East.

The upgrade has been developed by a range of bodies, including the Welsh Government and all six North Wales councils.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has welcomed the news that the new work was being carried out – with services set to start running on the upgraded track by the end of the year.

However, he has told the Government that the upgrade must not be the only boost for North Wales this year – and said he expects strong support for transport projects across the region when a Growth Deal is unveiled this spring.

He said: “I am delighted that the Halton Curve upgrade is now progressing at speed, and is set for completion this year. The changes will be a real improvement to rail links in North West England, with passengers from North Wales set to benefit too.

“However, it is four years since the then Chancellor, George Osborne, announced the project. Since then, detailed plans have been drawn up which will make a huge difference to transport links across North Wales.

“It is time for the Government to make sure that these plans, too, get the investment they need – and for Ministers to back the North Wales Growth Deal.”

*Picture – Network Rail