26.08.15
Bolton-Blackburn line reopens
The Bolton to Blackburn railway line has reopened following the completion of a wider £14m “improvement works package” on the Clitheroe to Manchester route.
Train services were reinstated yesterday (25 August) after the five-week work, funded by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
Works include additional track on either side of Darwen station that will provide extra capacity and enable a half hourly daytime service between Manchester and Blackburn in the future.
Edwin Booth, chairman of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, said: “Improving rail links within Lancashire and with the surrounding region is a vital element in boosting economic growth and creating jobs for the people of Lancashire, as part of a broader investment in our transport infrastructure.
“This work will provide greater capacity on this key railway line and should bring benefits for individuals and businesses across East Lancashire.”
A series of upgrades were also launched on the Bolton-Blackburn line earlier this month, as part of Network Rail’s massive programme to enhance and renew the London North Western (LNW) route during CP5.
Enhancement works include track renewals, signalling, installation and testing, and commissioning works on 4,000m of existing track on the Darwen main line.
Terry Strickland, NR’s area director, said at the time: “This essential upgrade will provide a better, more reliable railway for passengers travelling between Manchester and Clitheroe for many decades to come.”