Media centre

Monday 11 Dec 2006

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BOLTON AND BLACKBURN

Region & Route:

Over a £1 million is being invested in two bridges to enable passengers on the Blackburn to Bolton line to stay on the move. Network Rail is spending £800,000 refurbishing King William IV bridge, which carries the Blackburn to Bolton line over Chapeltown Road in Bolton.  The scheme begins in mid December and will be complete by the end of February 2007. Jo Kaye, Area General Manager said: “The Blackburn to Bolton line forms part of an important corridor into Manchester. This work is essential, allowing this busy commuter route to remain open for many years to come. We are carrying the work out during weekend closures when fewer people travel, to cause the minimum of disruption to passengers.” The bridge consists of two deck spans, the first is operational and the second is redundant. The scheme will involve removing both spans and reconstructing the operational span by replacing the deck. From 6 January until 11 February 2007, a weekend rail replacement service will be in operation between Blackburn and Bolton. A road closure will also be required while some of the heavier and more complex construction work is carried out. As a result the road will be closed from Monday 15 January until Friday 26 January. This closure has been agreed with the local highways authority and a diversionary route will be in place. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times except Friday 19 January until Monday 22 January when heavy lifting will make it unsafe to do so. Network Rail will also be spending £332,000 to refurbish a footbridge that is situated between Bromley Cross and Entwistle stations and provides safe access across the line for residents. Under the scheme the refurbishment work will include replacing lattices and some of the other metalwork, grit blasting the structure and re-painting it. All the old timber steps, landings and deck will be replaced and anti-slip surfacing will be applied to the steps. The footbridge will need to be closed while this work is carried out and it will be closed from Tuesday 2 January until Friday 23 February 2007. This footpath closure had been agreed with the council and users are advised to use the pedestrian crossing at Bromley Cross station as an alternative.