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Wednesday 11 Jun 2008

LIFT-OFF FOR HISTORIC FLYING ARCHES

Region & Route:

Chorley’s little-known historic Flying Arches which support the railway are to be taken down, subject to the granting of listed building consent by the council, to enable Network Rail to invest £5.5 million in improvement work on the railway north of the town’s station.

The 16 separate Grade II listed arches were constructed in 1841 as a replacement for a former tunnel that had collapsed. Each arch has a span of approximately 8.15 metres (26.5 ft) and is 46 cm (18 inches) wide. Made of gritstone, they are spaced roughly 4.5 metres (15 ft) apart.

Once removed, the Arches will be taken into storage so they can be reinstated at a later date.

The railway in this area runs through a cutting and the arches were constructed to retain the stability of the cutting walls.

Recent problems with the track north west of Chorley Tunnel have resulted in speed restrictions having to be imposed on the line. This in turn is leading to considerable delays to trains on the line, a situation which Network Rail can no longer allow to continue.

Network Rail route director Peter Strachan explained: “The railway is perfectly safe though trains are restricted to 20mph, which is having an impact on performance. The restriction is primarily because poor drainage is having an effect on the track bed.

“When we carry out the work we will restore the line to its 75mph capability and take the opportunity to upgrade it for modern trains.”

The railway cutting is approximately 15 metres (50 ft) deep with steeply sloping sides so the only way to safely carry out the work is to close the railway north of Chorley station for six weeks.

Following consultation with train operators Northern and First TransPennine Express, it has been agreed that the line will close from Saturday 26 July and reopen on Monday 8 September.

Northern’s services from Manchester will terminate at Chorley station, which will remain open for business throughout the work. There will be a replacement bus service from Chorley to Preston, calling at Leyland, and connecting with a train service from Preston to Blackpool.

First TransPennine Express services will continue to run between Manchester and stations north of Preston via a diversionary route but will not stop at Chorley. Buses will replace trains between Chorley and Preston and some late evening trains between Bolton and Chorley.

Through services will continue to run although the departure times will be slightly revised and subject to extended journey times.

Passengers are advised to check their travel plans with either train operator, by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or by logging on to www.nationalrail.co.uk