Windsor Link Line, Salford facts for kids
The Windsor Link is a special railway line in Salford, Greater Manchester. It is about 700 metres long, which is less than half a mile! This short but important line connects two train stations: Salford Crescent and Manchester Deansgate.
The Windsor Link was opened by British Rail in May 1988. It started being used fully in 1989. This link helps trains from the north-west of Manchester reach Manchester Piccadilly station directly. Before it was built, trains from places like Southport, Wigan Wallgate, Bolton, Blackpool North, and Preston could only go to Manchester Victoria. The Windsor Link changed that, making travel much easier!
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What Does the Windsor Link Do?
The Windsor Link helps trains travel across Manchester more smoothly. It connects different railway lines, like the Manchester–Preston line and the Manchester–Southport line, to Manchester Piccadilly. This means passengers can get to many more places without changing trains.
Connecting Key Stations
After using the Windsor Link to reach Piccadilly, trains can continue their journey. They travel south-east to places such as Manchester Airport, Buxton, Hazel Grove, and Chester. This makes the Windsor Link a vital part of the railway network in the region.
How the Link Was Built
The government gave permission to build the Windsor Link in 1985. It cost about £12.5 million to build. This was a big investment to improve train travel for many people.
Where is the Windsor Link?
The Windsor Link starts near Salford Crescent station. This spot is called Windsor Bridge Junction, which is how the line got its name. It then runs for about half a mile.
Joining Other Lines
The link ends at a place called Ordsall Lane Junction. Here, it connects with the historic Liverpool and Manchester Railway route. This railway was one of the very first in the world! Trains then travel a very short distance on this old route. After that, they turn onto the Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham Railway route. This final stretch leads them to Deansgate, Manchester Oxford Road, and Piccadilly stations.
Modern Updates to the Line
In December 2018, the Windsor Link was updated. It became an electrified line. This was part of a bigger project to electrify the railway line between Manchester and Preston. Electrification means trains can run on electricity instead of diesel, which is better for the environment and often allows for faster, quieter journeys.
