Network Rail is to carry out a railway upgrade project in Chorley.

Engineers will start lowering the track at Chorley station next week as part of a £40 billion Railway Upgrade Plan.

Other features include installing new overhead electric line equipment, redeveloping both of the stations platforms, and rebuilding/replacing the roofs of two subways to support the increased weight from train services.

Noel Connolly, Network Rail's head of programme management, said: "To deliver improvements to the railway, significant engineering work is required to move and lower the track through Chorley and there is no other option but to close the railway line at weekends while this work is carried out.

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"The upgrade and wider investment will result in a better, faster, more reliable railway that will serve passengers for many decades to come and help boost the economy across the north of England."

Alex Hynes, Managing Director for Northern, added: "This essential work at Chorley will ensure electric trains can operate between Manchester and Preston via Bolton from the end of 2017 – an exciting prospect for many of our customers.

"We'd like to remind them to check before they travel and speak to our colleagues at Chorley for the latest up-to-date information on the project."

(LM/CD)