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This new double track 300m curve allows direct running between the two principal station in Manchester, Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria. It is also known as the Castlefield Chord, after an earlier proposal and the district.

The purpose of this chord is to allow further through services to Manchester Airport and allow trains which would have terminated in Piccadilly to continue via the through platforms to Victoria.

There are nine bridges notably the Irwell Crossing and Trinity Way Viaduct which are linked with 'dips' or 'swooshes' to give the appearance of a single bridge.

The approach to Manchester Liverpool Street, the 1830 Manchester terminus of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, was severed by this curve as it crossed it on the level. Stephenson's bridge over the Irwell has been restored.

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