Bolton station improvements means changes to services: Bolton station platform 5, currently used as an unofficial car park

Tuesday 13 Jun 2017

Bolton station improvements means changes to services

Region & Route:
| North West & Central

As work continues to provide a better railway between Manchester and Preston, Bolton passengers are being warned of changes to train services in August.

For 16 days between Saturday 12 August and Sunday 27 August 2017, Network Rail’s orange army will continue work to upgrade the station in time for electric trains to run.

The upgrade forms part of the £1bn+ Great North Rail Project which will see faster, electric trains between Manchester and Preston.

As a result, the majority of train services will not run in or out of Bolton until the first service on Monday 28 August 2017. However, trains will still run from Bolton to Blackburn and Clitheroe during weekdays and bus replacements will also be in use. Passengers are being urged to plan their journey ahead and check before they travel on www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Mark Killick, chief operating officer for Network Rail, said: “These essential improvements will ensure the station is fit for use for many years to come as the demand on train services increase. The work will allow more trains to run between Manchester and Preston, enabling faster and more frequent journeys for passengers in Bolton.

“I understand the work will cause disruption for some people and I apologise but in the long term, the enhancement of the station will improve the passenger experience.”

Liam Sumpter, regional director for Northern, comments: “Great improvements are coming for our customers in the north west, and particularly those travelling through Bolton, with quicker journeys, longer trains and more frequent services. Before we can deliver that, essential large scale engineering work has to take place and we thank our customers for their patience while this happens.”

Work taking place includes: restoring an unused platform, modifying existing platforms and canopies as well as remodelling track, upgrading signalling, installing overhead line equipment and building a new footbridge.

Passengers can plan their journey and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Notes to Editors

Train and bus replacement information supplied by Northern.  Any enquiries regarding train services, please contact them.

Saturday 12, 19 & 26 August 2017

Manchester Airport – Preston and beyond: Trains will be diverted via Wigan North Western and will not call stations via Bolton/Chorley.

Hazel Grove – Preston/Blackpool North: Trains will terminate at Manchester Oxford Road.

Blackpool North/Preston – Hazel Grove: Trains will start from Manchester Oxford Road.

Huddersfield/Manchester Victoria – Blackpool North: Trains will run between Manchester Victoria and Huddersfield.

Additional shuttle train services will run between Blackpool North and Preston.

Manchester Airport - Southport:  Trains will be diverted via Atherton and will not call stations via Bolton.

Southport/Kirkby/Wigan – Manchester Victoria/Stalybridge: Trains will run between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

Additional shuttle train services will run between Kirkby and Wigan, and between Southport and Wigan.

Buses will be provided between Manchester Victoria and Bolton, Manchester Piccadilly and Preston , Manchester Victoria and Preston, Manchester Piccadilly and Hindley via Bolton, and Manchester Victoria and Hindley via Bolton.

Sunday 13, 20, 27 August 2017

Manchester Airport – Preston and beyond:  Trains will be diverted via Wigan North Western and will not call stations via Bolton/Chorley.

Manchester Victoria – Blackpool North:  No train services.

Additional shuttle train service will run between Blackpool North and Preston.

Southport – Stockport and beyond: Trains will be diverted via Eccles and will not call stations via Bolton.

Manchester Victoria – Wigan via Atherton:  No train services.

Buses will be provided between Manchester Victoria and Wigan via Atherton, Manchester Piccadilly and Preston , Manchester Victoria and Preston, and Manchester Piccadilly and Wigan Wallgate via Bolton.

Monday 14 August to Friday 18 August, Monday 21 August to Friday 25 August and Monday 28 August 2017

Manchester Airport – Preston and beyond: Trains will be diverted via Wigan North Western and will not call stations via Bolton/Chorley.

Hazel Grove – Preston/Blackpool North:  Trains will terminate at Manchester Oxford Road.

Huddersfield – Blackpool North:  Trains will run between Manchester Victoria and Huddersfield.

Additional shuttle train service will run between Blackpool North and Horwich Parkway.

Manchester Airport – Southport:  Trains will be diverted via Atherton.

Manchester Victoria – Wigan via Bolton:  Trains will not run.

Buses will be provided between Manchester Victoria and Horwich Parkway, Manchester Victoria and Hindley, Manchester Victoria and Bolton, Manchester Piccadilly and Horwich Parkway, Manchester Piccadilly and Hindley, Manchester Piccadilly and Bolton, and Westhoughton and Daisy Hill (peak hours only).

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

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