THE first stage of a programme of works to upgrade the railway lines between Bolton and Blackburn starts at the end of this month.

The project is a key component of East Lancashire’s £20 million rail revolution promising jobs, investment and rising house prices.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The upgrade will prepare the line from Bolton to Clitheroe for future electrification.

The scheme will speed trains from Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley Manchester Road to the nearby city and upgrade Entwistle, Clitheroe, Whalley, Ramsgreave and Wilpshire and Langho stations.

Track will be doubled in the single-line Sough Tunnel south of Darwen and Farnworth Tunnel in Bolton.

The improvements will enable the provision of a half hourly service throughout the day from December next year.

Due to the size of the materials and their on-site construction and assembly, a road closure at the junction of Frederick Street and Cotton Hall Street will be in place from April 27 for 10 weeks.