The less-direct of the two
routes to Southport involved trains taking the Preston - Liverpool line as far as
Burscough, then the Wigan - Southport line, by means of an east-west chord
at the crossing-point of the two. Sadly, although both lines are still
very much in use, the connecting curve at Burscough, was closed in the
1960s.
There is currently talk of restoring
one or more of the curves at Burscough, allowing Preston-Southport trains to resume after a 40 year
absence. Plans currently being put forward by a pressure group called SWOPlink would ultimately see the
Merseyrail electrification extended to Preston, and one of the curves at
Burscough reinstated. Under the scheme, the direct east-to-west link would
remain closed, but trains could travel from Preston to Southport by means
of a reversal at Burscough.
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