Knockmore Line News

Let's be honest, Translink can't stop it, The Knockmore Line will reopen eventually. This is to cover all the news we know.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

Then it was meant to be released to the public in September which now isn’t the case.

It’s like their trains @Translink_NI can’t run anything on time. Don’t give times that you can’t keep.

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[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

I’m not usually like this but I’ve got to voice my frustration.
THREAD

This feasibility study for the Knockmore line was meant to take 6-8months, it’s taken 2 years.

It was then supposed to be completed in the spring, that became the summer.

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[Fund The NINE | Expand Northern Ireland's Railways @FundTheNINE]

Belfast City Airport being the real first international airport in Ireland connected by rail was not on my bingo card.

Brilliant to see such a development being put forward, as campaigners such as myself this is rather vindicating after being told such a feat was not possible.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

As I turns out I was wrong, preliminary site setup is still ongoing, there was just a small lull for a week. Rail technicians are on site almost every day.

The feasibility study is now just a few weeks away according to Belfast Live so let’s keep our fingers crossed. 🤞

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

ANTRIM PLATFORM 3

All preliminary site setup work appears to be complete.

@Translink_NI have brought in an Excavator, Tele-handler and RRV.

They have also set up an on site office and construction fencing.

I’d love to say I know whats happening but I have no clue.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

Driving in Northern Ireland has to be one of the most miserable and frustrating ways to travel. No one seems to be confident on the roads anymore.

If I could take the train everywhere I would

But yet the @deptinfra keeps investing in Roads instead of Rail.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

@Onebaz @Translink_NI I would say that Translink should strongly consider both the Airport line and Derry line should get into Antrim at roughly the same time. That way People from the likes of Mossley can change over easily at Antrim.

That however isn’t known, it’s just a thought.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

If @Translink_NI are reopening the Knockmore line, they should refurbish Antrim Station. NW transport hub was done up and still holds it’s historic value while looking stunning.

It would be a great attraction for rail and represent Northern Ireland well for Airport passengers.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

@Onebaz @Translink_NI I'd say starting at Belfast Grand central -> terminating at Antrim Platform 3 via Lisburn.

The likelihood is that the Airport will be served only by the Knockmore line as that has been the biggest push for reopening the line.

Antrim then allows for a changeover to Derry line.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

ANTRIM PLATFORM 3

All preliminary site setup work appears to be complete.

@Translink_NI have brought in an Excavator, Tele-handler and RRV.

They have also set up an on site office and construction fencing.

I’d love to say I know whats happening but I have no clue.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

ANTRIM PLATFORM 3

One of our followers messaged to say there is significant works going on at Antrim. Such as

- New sections of track prefabricated
- Entrance to Knockmore Line
alignment checks
- Platform 3 Construction Fencing built

Any further updates, keep us posted!

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

Terrible photo so I apologise however,

Today at Antrim Platform 3 there were once again Rail Technicians on site with
more machinery on site. Platform 3’s Track appeared to be having its alignment checked.

All very promising 👀

#openknockmore

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

I don’t know about anyone else but I’ve been quite enjoying the Walk from Europa Hotel to Grand Central, not having to think about crossing roads

Shame Translink has ruined that. Maybe they will come to their senses

[Fund The NINE | Expand Northern Ireland's Railways @FundTheNINE]

I was glad to hear @StephenNolan giving Seamus a platform earlier today to discuss a monumental cock-up by @Translink_NI.

Durham Street needs to follow its original plans, with full cycling provisions and a pedestrian-first approach.

A 5-lane stroad is NOT what the area needs.

[Fund The NINE | Expand Northern Ireland's Railways @FundTheNINE]

I was glad to hear @StephenNolan giving Seamus a platform earlier today to discuss a monumental cock-up by @Translink_NI.

Durham Street needs to follow its original plans, with full cycling provisions and a pedestrian-first approach.

A 5-lane stroad is NOT what the area needs.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

So, Why so Long?

Simply put, It isn't. 4 years is an incredibly short time to restore 20 miles of track, new cabling and signals, 2 brand new stations and refurbishing the other 3

If Translink want to complete it before 2030, they need to start now, and evidence shows they are

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

WHEN WILL THE KNOCKMORE LINE REOPEN - Thread

*Disclaimer* This is mainly speculation based on whatever facts we can find and statements made by Translink.

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

2023 Microsoft Teams Meeting

In 2023 @FundTheNINE had an online meeting with 5 High up Translink employees. During this meeting they discussed the possibility that that the Line could be completed in the next 4-6Years (2027-2029)

[Knockmore Line News @KnockmoreNews]

ANTRIM PLATFORM 3 WORKS

This week there has been small but definite action at Antrim, the aerial OSNI image below shows Old railway sleepers that have been there since 2019.

This week they were moved, followed by an excavator on site, Rail Technicians and new heavy Machinery.