Electrification work will close a Greater Manchester station later this year for up to six months.

£100 million pounds is being spent electrifying the line between Wigan North Western and Lostock Junction in Bolton and will mean closing Ince railway station near Wigan.

This work will mean that the line is ready for Northern’s longer electric trains to enter service when they are introduced on the route.

At Ince, the footbridge into the station will be replaced, and the platforms extended.

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Ince Green Lane road bridge will also be replaced to create enough space for the electric wires to pass safely beneath.

The station will be closed from 2nd June until November 2024.

Additionally, Ince Green Lane Road Bridge will be closed from the 22nd April 2024 to allow for preparation work to take place. A diversion route will be in place for motorists.

A temporary walkway over the road bridge will open from July 2024. Before this, pedestrians can use Ince Green Lane Bridge with it open as much as possible during the work.

Trains will still run on both the Atherton and Westhoughton routes between Wigan and Manchester, but they will not call at Ince.

Network Rail says that a railway closure will be needed in September, which will mean rail replacement buses between Wigan North Western, Westhoughton, Daisy Hill, Hindley and Lostock.

“I’m grateful to the people of Ince for their cooperation as we rebuild Ince Green Lane bridge and upgrade Ince station as part of the electrification of the line.

“The work will allow for smoother, greener journeys as Northern’s electrified trains will be able to use the new infrastructure for years to come.”

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director

“Whilst there will be short term disruption, this work by Network Rail represents a major investment in the railway infrastructure that will benefit future rail services from Ince. We thank customers for their patience while the work is carried out.”

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West