Today
The line is currently a busy freight-only diesel-traction line and is sometimes called the Bootle Branch or Seaforth Container Terminal Branch (SCT) providing the sole remaining rail connection to the Port of Liverpool.
Approximately 70% of the North West of England's freight runs through Liverpool. The Olive Mount chord at Edge Hill junction was re-opened in December 2008 to approximately double the Canada Dock branch's throughput of freight from the Port of Liverpool to the West Coast Main Line. The reinstatement of the chord is essential for existing port operations and will be ready for the 100% increase in freight when the planned Post-Panamax container terminal is ready at Seaforth Dock. The new container terminal will berth the world's largest container ships, transporting up to 14,000 containers per ship. A high throughput on the Canada Dock branch line is essential for efficient port operation.
It is hoped the Olive Mount chord reinstatement will remove large road vehicles from congested areas, such as Switch Island, giving many environmental benefits.
Read more about this topic: Canada Dock Branch
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