Burnley-Manchester Todmorden Curve rail link faces delays

The opening of the £8.8m. Todmorden Curve will be put back until more diesel trains become available.

Work has already started on the project, to reinstate a section of track between Burnley and Todmorden. The project was due to be launched in May next year and Burnley Council leader Coun. Julie Cooper said she hopes the delay is weeks rather than months.

“We’ve done everything at our end and the main thing is the line is going to be open on time as planned. I know the railway people are working hard and doing everything they can as well.

“I am confident we will be riding on trains to Manchester soon.”

A Northern Rail spokesman added: “Additional services between Manchester-Burnley-Blackburn will be introduced when spare diesel trains become available. Although there are no spare trains on the market at the moment, the introduction of electric trains onto newly electrified routes in the North-West towards the end of 2014 and into 2015 will release some diesel trains.

“We are currently working with the Department for Transport on options for obtaining the trains required to operate the Manchester - Burnley - Blackburn services via the Todmorden Curve.”

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