25.08.17
Trains will not run through Bolton ‘until further notice’ after bridge collapse
Northern Rail will not be running trains through Bolton “until further notice” after a burst water pipe caused a section of Moses Gate bridge to collapse onto the railway.
As well as debris falling on the railway, the damage created a hole in the road above. Network Rail has now confirmed that “major engineering” work is needed to make the bridge and highway safe before the road and railway can be reopened.
Andy Morgan, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said the infrastructure owner is working round the clock to repair the damaged bridge and get train customers and road users on the move as normal through the area.
“Repairing the water-damaged bridge is a complex engineering challenge requiring a bespoke design,” he added. “We are working closely with Bolton Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and United Utilities to safely carry out the repairs so the railway line and the road can be reopened as quickly as possible.”
The work means that the railway line between Bolton and Manchester, which has been closed since 12 August as the Orange Army carried out upgrade work in preparation for electric trains, will remain closed next week.
The station and railway was due to reopen on Monday 28 August. Network Rail has confirmed that the upgrade work, which forms part of the £1bn+ Great North Rail Project, is still due to be completed as planned.
It is anticipated that a reduced train service will be in place for the following four weeks. The road could be closed for up to six weeks.
Rob Warnes, performance and planning director for Northern, added that the TOC is working alongside Network Rail to keep passengers onthe move through Bolton, with a fleet of rail replacement buses.
“We advise all customers to check before they travel to make sure they have the most up to date information via the Northern website,” he said. Trains, however, will still run from Bolton to Blackburn and Clitheroe.
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