Todmorden Curve Project: Improving UK Rail Connectivity

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Introduction

Network Rail has announced the completion of the Todmorden Curve upgrade, a project aimed at improving rail connectivity in the Calder Valley. The £6.2 million project, completed in January 2015, allows direct services between Burnley and Manchester.

Todmorden Curve Project Completion

The Todmorden Curve project, finalized in January 2015, cost £6.2 million. The project’s primary goal was to restore a section of track that had been out of use for over 50 years. This restoration enables direct train services between Burnley and Manchester, significantly reducing travel times and improving accessibility.

Project Details and Timeline

The Todmorden Curve project involved the reinstatement of a 550-meter section of track. Work began in the spring of 2014 and was completed by January 2015. The project included the installation of new track, signaling systems, and associated infrastructure. The project was jointly funded by the Department for Transport and the Railway Heritage Trust.

Benefits and Impact

The completed Todmorden Curve project has provided several key benefits. It has reduced journey times by approximately 30 minutes, and improved connectivity for residents and businesses in the Calder Valley. Prior to the project’s completion, passengers traveling between Burnley and Manchester had to travel via Leeds or Blackburn, adding significant time to their journeys.

Stakeholders and Funding

The project was a collaborative effort involving Network Rail, the Department for Transport, and the Railway Heritage Trust. The total project cost was £6.2 million, with funding provided by the Department for Transport and the Railway Heritage Trust.

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Future Plans for the Calder Valley rail line modernization

The successful completion of the Todmorden Curve upgrade is part of a larger strategy to modernize the rail infrastructure in the Calder Valley. Further projects are planned to enhance capacity and improve the overall passenger experience.

Conclusion

The Todmorden Curve project, a £6.2 million initiative, has successfully restored direct rail services between Burnley and Manchester. Completed in January 2015, the project has reduced travel times and improved connectivity for the region.

Network Rail

Network Rail is the owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

Department for Transport

The Department for Transport is a government department responsible for the English transport network and a number of other transport matters in the UK.

Railway Heritage Trust

The Railway Heritage Trust is an independent body that provides financial assistance to preserve and protect the railway’s historic infrastructure.

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