Upgrading the Halton Curve has been listed as one of Merseytravel’s top 12 priority projects for the next 30 years.

The body revealed its intentions for the scheme last Thursday as it published draft plans to boost connectivity to the Liverpool City Region.

Merseytravel has been discussing proposals for a redesign and construction work on the Halton Curve since January.

If it comes to fruition, it would bring back into full use the section of the line that links the Chester-Warrington line and the Liverpool-Crewe line at Frodsham Junction.

Merseytravel said last Thursday’s announcement ‘cements’ the Halton Curve as a ‘priority’.

More details will be published in September.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority LCRCA was due to meet yesterday, June 4, to discuss the plans.

A draft scheme will be presented for approval on June 13.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Merseytravel committee chairman, said: “This is about thinking big and being coordinated in the way we grow and develop the rail network so we can ensure we are properly focussed on supporting the growth of the Liverpool City Region economy, not purely for our benefit but as our overall contribution to the UK economy.

“The strategy has been triggered by the transformation HS2 could bring.

“We need to be ‘HS2 ready’.

“It’s also a way of bringing together much talked about projects such as the Halton Curve and the enhancement of the Borderlands line from Wrexham to Bidston and giving them a firm footing within this bigger picture.

“It’s essential that we consider how projects work together to improve connectivity and capacity, rather than delivering piecemeal projects in isolation.”