Release date: September 27, 2021
Entrance to the Summit Tunnel in Calderbrook, Littleborough
Network Rail will upgrade the rail line in the Summit Tunnel, which runs from Littleborough to Walsden, next month.
In the tunnel, which was built between 1838 and 1841 as part of the Manchester and Leeds railways, more than 3 km of track are exchanged over both lines.
For the necessary work, the railway will be closed with replacement buses during this time, which will replace the trains.
From Saturday 23 October to Sunday 31 October, rail replacement buses will operate between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge.
On weekends, buses also replace trains between Manchester and Rochdale and between Hebden Bridge, Burnley Manchester Road and Accrington stations.
Karen Hornby, North West Head of Performance and Customer Relationship for Network Rail, said, “We appreciate the patience of passengers as we make these important improvements to the Summit Tunnel as part of the Great North Rail Project. The work will mean fewer train delays on the Calder Valley Line and make the tracks in the Victorian building fit for the 21st century.
“However, with a track change like this, we have no choice but to close the line so that old sections can be torn up and replaced by new ones. I would urge anyone planning to travel beyond the nine-day rail lockdown to review National Rail inquiries so they know exactly what to expect from their travels. “
Chris Jackson, Northern Regional Director, said, “The work Network Rail is doing is critical and will provide our customers with an even more reliable railroad.”
“We apologize for any interruptions during the improvements and our customers can rest assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do whatever they can to minimize the impact of the work and provide alternatives that keep people moving.”
Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th October
Buses replace trains between:
- Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria (including Rochdale Borough Stations)
- Hebden Bridge and Accrington / Preston
- Manchester Victoria and Burnley Manchester Road
Monday 25th to Friday 29th October
Buses replace trains between:
- Rochdale and Todmorden
- Rochdale and Burnley
Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October
Buses replace trains between:
- Hebden Bridge and Manchester Victoria (including Rochdale Borough Stations)
- Hebden Bridge and Accrington / Preston
- Manchester Victoria and Burnley Manchester Road
Check before departure
Use the National Rail Inquiries trip planner to plan your trip.
Travel advice for replacement buses
You can find the location of your replacement bus by checking the station signs or looking for your station on the National Rail Inquiries information pages.
