A 180-year-old railway bridge will receive much-needed upgrades this month, and Calder Valley rail passengers are being advised to check before travelling.
The upgrades will mean that journeys will be improved for services heading over the Gauxholme Viaduct.
Grit blasting and structural repairs will take place in the £3.7m project.
A deep clean and a repaint will return the 1840s-built viaduct to return it to its Victorian splendour.
Taylors Bridge, near Todmorden station, will also be completed rebuilt with two unused sections removed as part of the project.
These two projects will mean the railway through Todmorden will be closed from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November.
Kathryn Berry, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “This work to restore the impressive Gauxholme viaduct and renew Taylor's bridge is essential to improve passenger journeys through Todmorden.
“The Great North Rail Project investment will secure this important piece of railway heritage for generations to come.
“We have been working closely with Calderdale Council on our plans and thank passengers, road users and the local community in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.”
No trains will run between Blackburn and Manchester via Todmorden during the closure.
Passengers are now being advised to check before travelling for different routes and rail replacement bus services that will be in operation between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge.
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The upgrade and repair work near Todmorden is key to future-proofing the rail network in the area and will give Northern customers a modern infrastructure for many years to come between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale.
“We're working closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum and will be providing rail replacement transport while the work is carried out. More details are available via the Northern website.”
Craig Whittaker, MP for Calder Valley, said: “I am incredibly delighted that funding in the region of £3.7m is being invested locally to restore the 1840s Grade II listed Gauxholme viaduct here in Todmorden. It is so important to renovate such structures – these form part of our history.
“Here in Todmorden, we are blessed with some amazing buildings and structures, the past forms part of our future. I cannot wait to see the completed renovation works and see Gauxholme viaduct back to its former glory.”
Additionally, a footpath beneath the viaduct will be closed with a diversionary route in place whilst the work takes place. A canal pontoon will be set up to allow works to access the viaduct.
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I agree with what William Chivers has commented. The viaduct does need some TLC.
Gauxholme is the Name of this Historic Railway Viaduct.
This is Definitely A True Yorkshire Railway Structure, As this is Truly Located in Todmorden, A Terrific West Yorkshire Town.
This is a very Historic and Archetectural Railway Structure… Quite An Age for A Fascinating Train-Carrying Viaduct, at 180 Years of Railway Transportation History (Dating back to 1840).
At long last, This Viaduct finally gets well-recieved attention so overdue, As soon the works to this are Complete, This Viaduct (by then be stronger) can keep on carrying trains across the canal en-route.
It’ll be Quite An Occasion in 20 years time, When this Viaduct reaches 200 Years of History in 2040.
What I find Historically Interesting about this Northern-English Railway Viaduct, is that both ends resemble that of A Tower (or 2) of A Castle.