Complex sentence: Despite these tests, the LYR decided to proceed with the electrification of the Manchester to Bury line using a 1200 V DC side-contact third rail, opened in 1916, and the following year the branch to Holcombe Brook was converted to the same system.
Split into simpler sentences: Despite these tests, the LYR decided to proceed with the electrification of the Manchester to Bury line using a 1200 V DC side contact third rail. This was opened to electric trains in 1916, and the following year the branch to Holcombe Brook was converted to use the same system.