Viaduct restoration works to disrupt local rail services

Engineering works affecting local train passengers are due to start on Saturday.

From Saturday 24 October the railway line through Todmorden will be closed for nine days and engineering work is also taking place between Moston and Smithy Bridge, closing all lines on both weekends during the same period.

Saturday 24 October & Sunday 25 October, Saturday 31 October & Sunday 1 November

• Trains between Leeds / Rochdale – Manchester Victoria / Wigan / Clitheroe: Trains will run between Leeds and Hebden Bridge, and between Manchester Victoria and Wigan / Clitheroe.
• Trains between Manchester Victoria – Blackburn via Todmorden: Trains will not run.
• Buses will be provided between Hebden Bridge / Rochdale and Manchester Victoria.

Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October

• Trains between Leeds – Manchester Victoria / Wigan / Chester: Trains will run between Leeds and Hebden Bridge, and between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria / Wigan / Chester.
• Trains between Manchester Victoria – Blackburn via Todmorden: Trains will not run.
• Buses will be provided between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale.

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The closure between Rochdale and Hebden Brige is due to works on an 180-year-old viaduct designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson which is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration to improve passenger journeys and secure its future for generations to come.

The £3.7m Great North Rail Project investment will see the 1840-built Grade-II listed Gauxholme viaduct grit blasted to its bare metal for structural repairs to take place.

The important piece of railway heritage, which spans the Rochdale canal, will then be deep cleaned and repainted back to its Victorian splendour.

Taylors Bridge, which carries the railway over Rose Bank Road near Todmorden station, will also be completely reconstructed with two disused sections permanently removed as part of the same investment.

Both projects mean the railway through Todmorden will be entirely closed from Saturday 24 October.

 

 

Kathryn Berry, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “This work to restore the impressive Gauxholme viaduct and renew Taylor’s bridge is essential to improve passenger journeys through Todmorden.

“The Great North Rail Project investment will secure this important piece of railway heritage for generations to come.

“We have been working closely with Calderdale Council on our plans and thank passengers, road users and the local community in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel with their train operator for alternative routes and information about bus replacement services.