Todmorden curve set to boost Lancashire’s growing railway

More travel opportunities are on the way for passengers in Burnley and East Lancashire as engineers start work to construct a 300m section of track known as the Todmorden west curve.

The project, funded by Burnley Borough Council and Network Rail, will support economic growth in the region by allowing improved rail services and journey times between Burnley and Manchester Victoria.

Burnley Council leader Julie Cooper said: “It’s great to see progress being made on the new Todmorden Curve. This 300 metre stretch of track will have a massive positive impact on the future of our borough, providing residents with a direct rail link to Manchester and helping to boost our local economy by attracting new people and businesses into our borough.

“Work on the track is going ahead; now we have to continue to work on the issue of making sure trains are available to run on it as soon as possible after it’s completed.”

Dyan Crowther, route managing director for Network Rail said: “With more passengers and more journeys being made than ever before, demand for rail is booming and we have big plans to improve the railway in the north of England through the Northern Hub and the refurbishment of Manchester Victoria. The Todmorden curve will provide a boost for the Lancashire economy by unlocking the railway into Burnley”

Lee Wasnidge, Area Director for Northern Rail said: “This investment in reinstating the Todmorden Curve is another reason for rail users in the North to celebrate as more travel opportunities open up for them. Once the curve is complete, Manchester Victoria – Rochdale services will be extended to Todmorden with services to Burnley and Blackburn to follow.”