Media centre

Thursday 7 May 2015

Bridge rebuilds completed ahead of schedule as railway electrification continues

Region & Route:

Two of four bridges over the railway between Bolton and Chorley which are being rebuilt as part of the electrification of the railway will reopen ahead of schedule.

The bridges are being rebuilt as part of the electrification of the line as Network Rail invests more than £1bn in the north west of England to provide passengers with a better railway.

Rebuilding the bridges provides increased clearance to accommodate the overhead lines which will power electric trains which are faster, quieter and more reliable.

The latest opening dates for the bridges are:

- Stump Lane, Chorley: originally due to open 12 May – reopened on Tuesday 5 May

- Rawlinson Lane, Adlington: originally due to reopen on 22 May - due to open on Friday 8 May

- Station Road, Blackrod: on track to reopen as planned on 15 May 2015

- Chorley Road, Heath Charnock: on track to reopen as planned on 19 June

Highways improvements have also been made to the bridges at Rawlinson Lane and Station Road, including wider carriageways and footpaths.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “These bridge rebuilds are an essential part of the electrification of the railway which will provide passengers with a faster, more reliable and efficient railway.

“The hard work and professionalism of the teams involved has meant that two are able to open quicker than planned, meaning the local roads can return to normal ahead of schedule.

“We thank local people for their patience while we complete this essential work.”

The four new bridges will not need any major work for over 100 years, providing additional benefits to the local road network in the future. Work is due to take place later this year to rebuild Grimeford Lane bridge in Blackrod. Residents and local businesses will be contacted in advance to prepare them for the closure.