Weekend closures to continue at Bolton

For the foreseeable future engineering work being carried out by Network Rail, as part of the Great North Rail Project, will mean trains are unable to run at weekends.

The project was due to complete last December, but old mine workings, running sand and varying layers of rock have significantly hampered the installation of hundreds of steel columns needed to carry the power cables for the introduction of electric trains.

New engineering solutions have been required to resolve the problems which has included using steel cylinders and filling them with concrete to deal with poor ground conditions.

Andy Morgan, senior sponsor at Network Rail, said: “The poor ground conditions meant three out of every 10 foundations were unsuccessful at the first attempt which unfortunately added time to the programme.

“At the moment, progress is going well. Recently, foundations and overhead wiring have been installed which will allow electric trains run in the future from Manchester to Preston and improve customer journeys.”

To allow engineers to access the railway, sections will need to be closed during some weekdays and every weekend.

This will affect journeys in and out of Manchester to and from destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oxenholme, Penrith, Lancaster, Preston, Liverpool, Wigan, Chorley and Bolton. 

Liam Sumpter, Regional Director for Northern, said: “This vital upgrade work will mean changes for our customers travelling across the region. Trains will be replaced with buses on many routes during weekends, and we are asking all customers to plan carefully.”

Liam added: “It’s really disappointing that the work has been delayed and that our customers will have to deal with further closures, but the engineering project – when complete – will pave the way for an improved service for all thanks to our brand new and refurbished trains which will use the line.”

Anyone planning to travel between Manchester, Bolton and Preston should leave extra time for journeys and check National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date information.