Monday 28 Jul 2008
FLYING ARCHES OFF TO FLYING START
- Region & Route:
The £5.5 million Network Rail project to renew the railway north of Chorley Tunnel got off to a flying start last weekend with the removal of the first of 16 Flying Arches.
The Grade ll listed gritstone arches, which support the steeply sloping sides of the railway cutting, are being removed and placed in safe storage while the track relaying and drainage work takes place over the next six weeks.
Each arch is has a span of 8.15 metres (26.5 ft) and they are spaced approximately 4.5 metres (15 ft) apart.
To ensure the stability of the cutting walls during the work, temporary galvanised arches are being installed.
When the work is completed, trains will be able to run at a maximum of 75 mph through the area, whereas at the moment there is a temporary 20 mph speed restriction in place.
While the work takes place, Northern Rail train services between Chorley, Leyland and Preston have been replaced by alternative road transport. First TransPennine Express services are being diverted, and are not calling at Chorley.
The line reopens on Monday 8 September.
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