£1 billion railway investment continues with Chorley Tunnel upgrade

Chorley Tunnel is to be upgraded to accommodate an electrified railway as part of Network Rail’s £1 billion investment in the railway in the north west of England.

The track through the 113m tunnel will be lowered to accommodate overhead line equipment which will power electric trains between Manchester and Preston from December 2016 (??).

More than £1 billion is being invested by Network Rail through the Northern Hub and North West Electrification Programme to provide a faster, more reliable and efficient railway.

Much of the work will be completed without causing significant disruption to rail services but some of the larger projects – such as the Chorley Tunnel upgrade – require short term closures to allow heavy engineering work to take place.

To complete the work the line between Chorley and Leyland, via Chorley Tunnel, will be closed from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August while the upgrades take place. This will mean changes to train services in the area while the work is carried out.

Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “More than £1 billion of investment is being made to provide a better railway and boost the economy across the north of England.

“Significant engineering is required to lower the track and install the electrification equipment and there is no other option but to close the line while this is carried out.

“The closure has been carefully planned so that it is kept to a minimum and we are working closely with the train operators regarding amended services and disruption. I apologise for any inconvenience caused and advise passengers to plan their journeys and check with National Rail Enquiries before travelling.”

Rob Warnes, performance and planning director for Northern Rail, said: “Once the electrification work is complete, customers will benefit from longer, faster, quieter and more environmentally friendly trains. While the work is carried out there will be a revised Northern Rail timetable, including replacement bus services, that customers can pick up at their local station or download from our website.”

For information about the amended train service during the work visit www.nationalrail.co.uk/chorley