Greater Manchester train line to be closed for multiple weekends as Network Rail carry out drainage work

The train line between Manchester and Bolton is set to be closed for the next four weekends. This is so key drainage maintenance can be carried out by Network Rail. 

In total, £2.7 million of essential drainage work will be carried out to help reduce flooding and improve reliability on the line. Bus replacement services will be in operation each weekend from January 13 and February 4 at all stations between Bolton, Salford Crescent, Salford Central, Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria. 

The work will see over 1400 metres of new drainage pipes laid and six foot trenches dug. These measures will be to improve water levels and keep passenger and freight services on the move. 

During the weekend closures of the line, Northern is providing bus replacement services between Bolton and Manchester Piccadilly. Trains from Blackpool North and Preston will divert via Wigan and services from Windermere and Barrow will start and terminate at Bolton. TransPennine Express services between Scotland and Manchester Airport will start and end at Preston.

Tom Carrington, project manager at Network Rail, said: “We are very sorry to weekend passengers travelling between Bolton and Manchester for the inconvenience to their journeys while we put in a better drainage system to future proof the railway from heavy rainfall experienced during recent storm events.

“While journeys can still take place between Bolton and Manchester via bus replacement services, and from Preston and Blackpool with train services diverting through Wigan, it’s important passengers know their travel options first by checking before they travel at nationalrail.co.uk.”

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “I’d like to thank our customers for their co-operation and patience while these important works take place. It is important to allow more time for your journey during this period and if in doubt, ‘check before you travel’ on the Northern website.”