Work on a historic viaduct will begin on Saturday, closing a stretch of railway line for nine days.

Passengers are being warned of the closure, which will see essential maintenance getting underway on the 180-year-old Gauxholme viaduct in Todmorden.

As a result, there will be no services between Blackburn and Manchester via Todmorden from October 24 until November 1.

The viaduct, which was designed by railway pioneer George Stephenson, 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, before it is deep cleaned and repainted back to its Victorian splendour.

Work will also be carried out on Taylors bridge, which carries the railway over Rose Bank Road near Todmorden station.

Scheme project manager for Network Rail, Kathryn Berry, 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.”

Both projects mean the railway through Todmorden will be entirely closed from Saturday October 24 to Sunday November 1, and passengers are being advised to check with Northern or National Rail for updates on alternative routes and bus replacements.

Regional director at Northern, Chris Jackson, said: “The upgrade and repair work near Todmorden is key to future-proofing the rail network in the area and will give Northern customers a modern infrastructure for many years to come between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale.

“We’re working closely with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum and will be providing rail replacement transport while the work is carried out.”

A temporary footpath closure will be in place beneath Gauxholme viaduct with a small diversionary route in place for pedestrians.

A pontoon will also be set up on the canal to allow workers to access the structure.