Page:The Grand junction railway companion to Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham; (IA grandjunctionrai00free).pdf/20

8 it over the Mersey and Irwell Canal, and to cross the river Mersey at Fiddler's Ferry; from thence to proceed near Penketh Lodge to Rain Hill Stoops, and, leaving the grounds of Halstead a little to the south-west, join the Liverpool and Manchester Line at the bottom of the Whiston inclined plane. Thus six miles will be saved, and three inclined planes will be avoided, a most desirable object, for, independent of the time saved, the prodigal waste of steam power which is caused by these inclines will be unnecessary.

We have before stated the names of the two eminent engineers who drew the original plan of the Railroad, as carried through Parliament in 1833. It devolved, however, on Mr. Locke, to carry their plans into operation, and to make such alterations as circumstances suggested as improvements. To this gentleman belongs the honour of completing this stupendous work, within a few days of the time calculated on; and too much credit cannot be conferred on him, and the contractors, for the masterly manner in which it has been accomplished, and the punctuality with which it has been completed. The directors never calculated on opening the line until June, 1837, and on the 4th of July they received the first sum for the carriage of passengers.