Network Rail is advising passengers that the railway will close for six days between Wigan and Bolton from this Saturday (24 June), while it continues work to electrify the six-and-a-half stretch of the line.

This follows a similar closure last month. Work began in March, but has taken longer than expected because of difficulties aligning the railway work with utility companies.

As there is a line in each direction, engineers will be preparing a total of thirteen miles of track for electrification via overhead lines, making alterations to seventeen railway structures on the route.

Ladies Lane bridge in Hindley will be demolished and replaced by a new structure. The demolition will take place during the coming six-day closure.

Buses will replace trains between Saturday 24 and Friday 30 June, running between Wigan, Westhoughton, Daisy Hill, Ince and Lostock.

Through services will not run between Saturday 24 and Friday 30 June between Wigan and Manchester. Buses will replace trains between Wigan to Bolton via Westhoughton and Wigan to Manchester via Atherton line (Ince, Hindley, Daisy Hill, Hagfold, Atherton, Swinton).

Replacement buses will also run between Kirkby and Wigan Wallgate via Rainford.

A temporary walkway to the west of the bridge will give pedestrians (including dismounted cyclists) access over the railway line, but will not be available during demolition and lifting operations. Because of this, a footpath diversion will be available from the evening of Friday 23 June to the morning of Tuesday 27 June. Cars and motorcycles will not be able to cross the bridge until Friday 1 September, and a diversion route will be signposted for drivers.

Network Rail is advising passengers to plan in advance by checking the National Rail website, and to allow extra time to travel.to allow extra time for their journeys.

For more information on railway electrification, click here.

Network Rail is spending £78m investment on upgrading the connection between the two important towns in the North West towns.

Claire Davis, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “We’re sorry to passengers, residents and businesses in Hindley facing additional disruption due to challenges we’ve faced with the bridge demolition and reconstruction. We thank you for your continued patience and support while we carry out this major bridge upgrade, which will secure the town’s vital railway link for generations to come.

“While rail replacement buses will be in operation to keep passengers on the move, journeys will take longer and I’d advise people to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect while travelling between 24 and 30 June.”