Passengers in the Calder Valley are being advised about changes to rail journeys next month during essential upgrade work to an 180-year-old viaduct designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson.
Gauxholme viaduct is undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration to improve passenger journeys and secure its future for generations to come.
The £3.7m Great North Rail Project investment will see the 1840-built Grade II listed structure grit blasted to its bare metal for structural repairs to take place.
The important piece of railway heritage, which spans the Rochdale canal, will then be deep cleaned and repainted back to its Victorian splendour.
Taylors bridge, which carries the railway over Rose Bank Road near Todmorden station, will also be completely reconstructed with two disused sections permanently removed as part of the same investment.
Both projects mean the railway through Todmorden will be entirely closed from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.
Passengers are being advised to expect changes to their journeys and check www.nationalrail.co.uk or with train operator Northern.
Kathryn Berry, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “This work to restore the impressive Gauxholme viaduct and renew Taylor’s bridge is essential to improve passenger journeys through Todmorden.
“The Great North Rail Project investment will secure this important piece of railway heritage for generations to come.
“We have been working closely with Calderdale Council on our plans and thank passengers, road users and the local community in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.”
During the nine-day railway closure there will be no trains between Blackburn and Manchester via Todmorden.
