 Hoping to develop an export trade in coke and other minerals, the L&CR applied on its own account to build the branch to Morecambe, receiving permission in 1859.At this point the line was leased by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) and it was the latter that built the branch as a double track opening in 1864.In time however the branch was singled, but with an increase in holiday trade a south facing curve was added to the junction during 1888.