RAIL replacement busses will ferry passengers this weekend as preparations get on track for major electrification upgrade on the Wigan to Bolton train line.

Chew Moor bridge is due to be removed on Sunday and a new £2.3 M steel bridge built in its place on February 20 ­— high enough for 25,000-volt overhead cables to pass underneath.

Passengers are being warned that services will be disrupted as a result and replacement buses will run instead.

The bridge rebuild is needed so a £78m electrification scheme along 13 miles of railway can take place.

The investment will mean older diesel trains are replaced by cleaner and longer electric rolling stock.

To make way for the overhead lines, seventeen structures – like Chew Bridge in Westhoughton – need to be overhauled.

The bridge is one of 17 structures that are due to be overhauled on the line.

Bolton West MP Chris Green, said: “I was very pleased when the Manchester to Preston electrification was delivered and finished off and the new trains were on the track.

“I think it’s improved the service. I think it’s a nicer service for regular commuters, but I was very frustrated that there were significant engineering problems and the whole process took far longer than it needed to.

“I have spoken to the engineers responsible for the upgrade and they have said that lessons have been learned so hopefully this one is going to happen far faster, and we can get the improved railways and timetables on time without having any delays.

“I think this is a really positive thing about investment into the local area.”

William Brandon, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “This vital work on the bridge is one of the first pieces of the jigsaw needed to deliver the Wigan-Bolton electrification project. It makes room for new cables needed for the introduction of greener, cleaner and more reliable electric trains planned between Wigan North Western and Bolton in the future.

“The project does mean the railway will have to close over the two Sundays. I thank passengers and local people in advance for their patience while we carry out this vital work.”

Plans to build the new bridge in Westhoughton were approved by Bolton Council in May 2021.

The new deck will be made up of steel beams to better withstand heavy farm machinery and road vehicles.

The bridge will also be finished with materials of a similar colour to the existing bridge in keeping with what was there before.

For journey information visit https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/