Residents invited to drop-in event to find out more about upgrades to Preston-Manchester line

Overhead power line stanchion being put up near Bolton

As part of Network Rail’s Â£1bn+ Great North Rail Project, work is intensifying to complete the upgrade and electrification work between Manchester and Preston via Bolton. For safety reasons some work will be carried out at night time when trains aren’t running, this includes noisy piling work to install foundations, as well as the steel masts which will carry electric wires to power greener and quieter electric trains from December 2017.

Noel Connolly, head of programme management for Network rail said: “This work forms part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and will deliver better, greener and more efficient services for passengers in the north.

"I appreciate that the work could be disruptive, so I’d like to thank local residents for their patience while we carry this out. We will take all possible measures to keep disruption to an absolute minimum.”

Local residents along the route are invited to 10 drop-in events along the route where Network Rail staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide more detail on the working being carried out.

The drop-in events will be held at the following locations:

Tuesday 21 March 4-7pm

Adlington Cricket Club, Huyton Road, Adlington, Chorley PR7 4HD

Wednesday 22 March 4-7pm

The Hub@Buckshaw, The Hub, Unity Place, Buckshaw Village, CHORLEY, Lancashire, PR7 7HZ.

Thursday 23 March 4-7pm

St Josephs Parish Centre, Harpers Lane, CHORLEY, Lancashire, PR6 0HR.

Tuesday 28 March 4-7pm

Lostock Parish Centre, Tempest Road, BOLTON, Greater Manchester, BL6 4EL.

Wednesday 29 March 4-7pm

Railway Club, Green Lane, BOLTON, Greater Manchester, BL3 2LY.

Monday 3 April 4-7pm

St Thomas Church, Delamere Avenue, Clifton Green, MANCHESTER, Greater Manchester, M27 8GL.

Tuesday 4 April 4-7pm

Farnworth Baptist Church, The Well, Trafford Street, Farnworth, BOLTON, Greater Manchester, BL4 7PQ.

Residents who would like additional information can call Network Rail’s 24-hour helpline on 03457 114141.