Network Rail has announced that the Leeds and Liverpool Canal will be brought back into industrial use when barges are used to transport goods to replace a railway bridge near Accrington and Burnley.

Materials will be transported via the Canal which will be used to replace the bridge between Rishton and Church and Oswaldtwistle.

At the same time, a pontoon will be erected on the canal at Rose Grove to create a working space to strengthen another bridge.

The work is part of a £3.95m investment by Network Rail to improve journeys on the East Lancashire line which runs between Blackpool, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

This work means that sections of the railway between Blackburn and Colne, and Blackburn and Todmorden will be closed between 15th and 23rd February 2020,

Passengers are being urged to plan their journeys and check before they travel.

As well as bridge work, new drainage will also be installed in the Rose Grove area to help protect the railway. Track improvements will also be completed delivered at Townley Tunnel and Gannow Junction.

There also will be two closures of the canal and its towpaths by Oswaldtwistle Golf Course from Monday 20 January until the Friday 13 March and at Rose Grove from the 27 January until 6 March.

What did the officials say?

Sarah Padmore, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said:

“We are always looking at innovative ways we can help provide a better railway while causing the least amount of disruption to passengers and local communities. Using the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was an obvious way to do this and we will be transporting material to and from site throughout the work.

“I’m grateful to passengers, canal users and local residents for their patience while this essential work is delivered and urge anyone who is planning to travel by train between 15-23 February to plan their journeys and check before they travel. Our work will help keep passenger services reliable and safe for decades to come.”

Christopher Jackson, regional director at Northern said:

“The vital work being carried out by Network Rail will provide our customers with a more reliable railway for many years.

“We will continue to work closely with colleagues across the rail industry to minimise the impact on our customers and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while the work is completed.”

Mark Overum, area operations manager from the Canal & River Trust, said:

“It’s great that Network Rail is using the Leeds & Liverpool Canal to transport goods along it instead of using the road and we’re are pleased to be working with them on this project. The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is a fantastic resource for all to enjoy so we encourage people to spend some time by the water as we know that improves people’s health and wellbeing.”

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