Network Rail has announced that the final stage of the Preston to Blackpool railway line gets underway in January.
The railway between Preston and Blackpool will be closed for seven consecutive Sundays from 6 January 2019.
This will mean that buses will replace trains between Preston and both Blackpool North and Blackpool South stations.
This work is part of the multi-million pound Great North Rail Project.
Engineers will be completing two major drainage upgrades in the Poulton-le-Fylde, and Kirkham & Wesham station areas, which will help to make the railway more reliable.
Work will also be carried out to fit exterior cladding panels on Kirkham & Wesham station's two new lifts.
What did the officials say?
Lawrence Cheung, sponsor for Network Rail, said:
“We are working closely with Northern to minimise the disruption to passengers and raise awareness of these changes to Sunday train services between Preston and Blackpool.
“The upgrade and wider investment will result in a better and more reliable railway, that will serve passengers for many decades to come, and help boost the economy across the north of England.
“We understand that this work also affects our lineside neighbours and have written to residents who live near to where our work is taking place.
“There is never a good time to affect journeys but we have planned the work to affect the fewest number of passengers over the shortest period of time. This is essential work and I'd like to thank passengers in advance for their understanding.”
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said:
“The Great North Rail Project is transforming the railway across the north of England and the work on the line in early 2019 is a vital part of this.
“Thanks to the work carried out by Network Rail earlier this year, we are now able to run electric services to Blackpool from across the region, and we will continue to work closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum.
“We are working on plans to keep people on the move on Sundays and will publish these on our website as soon as possible.
“I'm sure our customers will be frustrated with more engineering work, but I'd like to thank them for their continued patience. I urge all customers to plan carefully for weekend travel to and from Blackpool in early 2019.”
Where Next?
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop – The RailAdvent Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Network Rail
Visit their website
Is that when new trains will start service that Northern will introduce the Class 195 and Class 331 Civity. Not forgetting the completion of the electrification on the Bolton Line between Manchester Victoria and Preston.