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Monday 27 Mar 2006

£1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR CALDER VALLEY LINE

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Passengers on the Calder Valley line are to benefit from smoother and quieter journeys following £1.5 million of maintenance work by Network Rail. The line between Manchester Victoria and Todmorden will be closed over the Easter period while this is carried out. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager (Manchester) said: “Easter is traditionally a time when fewer people use the railway so we carry out work during this period to cause as little disruption as possible.  This major investment for the Calder Valley line will have long-term benefits for passengers.” The first phase of work will involve waterproofing the viaduct that carries the railway over the M62 motorway in Castleton. This £750,000 project is particularly complicated and has been postponed for a number of years due to its complexity. While the line is closed Network Rail is investing a further £800,000 in two track schemes. In Moston three quarters of a mile of steel sleepers and track will be replaced and in Smithy Bridge the foundations and ballast under a half mile stretch of the railway are being renewed. While the work is going on it will be necessary to close the level crossing on Smithy Bridge Road next to Smithy Bridge station. This closure has been agreed with the local authority and a diversionary route will be in operation for road-users. Pedestrians can cross the railway using the underpass at Smithy Bridge station. A rail replacement service will be in operation while the work is on-going and passengers are advised to contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 for information. Passengers travelling to Rochdale will be able to travel via Oldham on the Oldham Loop Line, although a revised timetable will be in place.