Local rail lines shut for 9 days in October for railway tunnel upgrade

The railway track in the Summit tunnel, that runs from Littleborough to Walsden, is being upgraded by Network Rail next month.

More than 3km of track across both railway lines will be replaced inside the tunnel which was built between 1838 and 1841 as part of the Manchester and Leeds railway.

For the essential work to take place the railway will be closed with bus replacement services set to replace trains during this time.

From Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 October, rail replacement buses will be in operation between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge.

At weekends, buses will also replace trains between Manchester and Rochdale as well as between Hebden Bridge, Burnley Manchester Road and Accrington stations.

Karen Hornby, Network Rail’s North West head of performance and customer relationship, said: “We appreciate passengers' patience while we carry out these vital improvements to Summit tunnel as part of the Great North Rail Project. The work will mean fewer train delays on the Calder valley line and make tracks inside the Victorian-built structure fit for the 21st century.

“However, replacing track like this means we have no choice but to close the line for old sections to be ripped up and replaced with new. I’d urge anyone planning to travel over the nine-day railway closure to check National Rail Enquiries to they know exactly what to expect from their journeys.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern said: "The work being carried out by Network Rail is vital and will provide our customers with an even more reliable railway.”

"We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.”

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October

Buses will replace trains between:

• Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria (incl Rochdale borough stations)
• Hebden Bridge and Accrington/Preston
• Manchester Victoria and Burnley Manchester Road

Monday 25 to Friday 29 October

Buses will replace trains between:

• Rochdale and Todmorden
• Rochdale and Burnley

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October

Buses will replace trains between:

• Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria (incl Rochdale borough stations)
• Hebden Bridge and Accrington/Preston
• Manchester Victoria and Burnley Manchester Road

Check before you travel

You can plan your journey using the National Rail Enquiries Journey Planner.

Replacement Bus Travel Advice

You can find the location of your bus replacement by checking station signs or by searching for your station on the National Rail Enquiries station information pages.