Travel chaos has erupted in Greater Manchester after a major railway tunnel was suddenly closed for urgent repairs. The Sough Tunnel, a Victorian-era structure that carries passenger trains between Clitheroe and Manchester through a hillside in Darwen, has been shut down, forcing the cancellation of all services between Bolton and Blackburn for the entire day.
Network Rail Inspection Underway
Network Rail has confirmed that engineers are conducting a full inspection of the 1,842-metre-long tunnel. In a statement, the organisation said: "We've closed Sough tunnel - the railway tunnel connecting Blackburn and Bolton - while our engineers carry out an inspection of the structure." The closure has led to the cancellation of all trains running through stations between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Urgent Repairs Needed
Train operator Northern has described the repairs as "urgent". A spokesperson for Northern stated that urgent repairs are necessary for the tunnel between Manchester Victoria and Blackburn. Passengers are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements as the disruption is expected to last throughout the day.
The sudden closure has caused significant inconvenience for commuters and travelers, with many left stranded or forced to find alternative routes. Network Rail has not yet provided a timeline for when the tunnel might reopen, but engineers are working diligently to assess the situation and carry out necessary repairs.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the UK's aging railway infrastructure, particularly Victorian-era structures that require regular maintenance and occasional emergency interventions. Passengers are urged to check with National Rail Enquiries for the latest updates on service disruptions.
