02.09.14
Chorley Tunnel reopens after six-week closure
The line between Chorley and Leyland reopened yesterday following a six-week closure to electrify the railway.
More than £1bn is being spent on improvement works to provide a faster and more reliable railway in the north west.
To allow electric trains to operate between Manchester and Preston from December 2016 the track through the 113m-long Chorley tunnel has been lowered so that it can accommodate the overhead line equipment that will power the trains.
As well as upgrading the tunnel the 16 historic Chorley flying arches, Grade II listed structures on the approach to the tunnel, were refurbished following consultation with English Heritage.
Work also took place to rebuild three bridges on the line; Harpers Lane in Chorley, Railway Road in Adlington and Lockstock Lane in Bolton, along with the River Chor aqueduct.
Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “More than £1bn of investment is being made to provide a better railway and boost the economy across the north of England.
“Electrification forms a significant part of this and the completed work though Chorley means the line is now ready to install the equipment needed to run electric trains.
“It was a significant engineering challenge to lower the track and as well as rebuilding bridges we have also returned the historic Chorley flying arches to their former glory. I’d like to thank everyone whose journeys were affected for their patience while we completed the work.”
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