Last updated 15:35, Wednesday, 23 July 2008

BARROW trains that run under a series of historic arches in Lancashire will be subject to timetable changes for six weeks when they are taken down.

HISTORIC: Chorley’s historic Flying Arches are to be taken down to enable Network Rail to invest £5.5m in improvement work on the railway north of the town’s station

Services between Barrow and Manchester Airport run under the supporting arches in a deep cutting at Chorley.

For six weeks from Saturday July 26 to Monday September 8, trains to and from Barrow will run via Wigan, missing out Chorley.

Some services between Preston and Manchester will see part of the journey substituted by bus.

Rail track owners Network Rail said: “Chorley’s little-known historic Flying Arches which support the railway are to be taken down, subject to the granting of listed building consent by the council, to enable Network Rail to invest £5.5m in improvement work on the railway north of the town’s station.”

The 16 separate Grade II listed arches were constructed in 1841 as a replacement for a former tunnel that had collapsed.

Each arch has a span of approximately 8.15 metres (26.5 ft) and is 46 cm (18 inches) wide.

Made of gritstone, they are spaced roughly 4.5 metres (15 ft) apart.

Once removed, the arches will be taken into storage so they can be reinstated at a later date.

Network Rail says problems in the cutting have cut speeds of trains to 20mph but remedial work will restore train speeds of up to 75mph.

Network Rail route director Peter Strachan said: “The railway is perfectly safe though trains are restricted to 20mph, which is having an impact on performance.

“The restriction is primarily because poor drainage is having an effect on the track bed.

“Some train departure times will be slightly revised and subject to extended journey times.”

Passengers are advised to check their travel plans in advance.

Information can be obtained from either the train operator or by calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or by logging on to www.nationalrail.co.uk