THE main works to extend platforms 1 and 2 at Hall I’ th’ Wood station will take place on two weekends next month.

Network Rail bosses confirmed the dates as they warned of extensive train disruption in November and the first two weeks of December across Lancashire because of the £3.5million Great North Rail Project.

The major platform extensions at Hall I’th Wood station on the Bolton to Blackburn line to accommodate new longer Northern trains will take place on the weekends of November 16/17 and 23/24.

Related overnight works started at the beginning of October and will run until January 17.

Other work in the project includes ballast work at Lostock Hall Junction near Preston on November 10; filling a redundant railway arch in Blackburn on November 16 and 17 November; the replacement of a railway bridge in Burnley on the weekends of November 16/17 and 23/24; track drainage improvements north of Blackburn station on the same weekends; and the renewal of track through Kitsonwood Tunnel in Todmorden on December 8.

Anna-Jane Hunter, director for North of England rail said: “I want to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we complete a number of vital upgrades in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton and Todmorden."

Rail replacement buses will operate during major works.