Todmorden Curve

[keep the faith]

Several weeks ago, it was reported in the local (ish) weekly newspaper that the proposed rail link between Accrington and Manchester otherwise known as "The Todmorden Curve" had been given the green light. I for one was highly delighted at this news, as it would mean a more comfortable, direct and hassle free way of getting to the city for everyone including commuters, shoppers and anyone wishing to go into Manchester for a spot of socialising.

This week it came to my attention via a very reliable source, that the project has now been cancelled after a recent feasibility study.

I contacted the local (ish) weekly newspaper to ask if they had any knowledge of this. I must admit I was shocked by their attitude to me asking them this question. The reporter that I spoke to couldn't have been more obnoxious if he'd have tried. He didn't have any knowledge of the situation, and neither was he prepared to go off my "say so"

I suggested he made some enquiries and if in fact my information turns out to be correct, then they owe it to the readers of the local (ish) weekly newspaper, to update the story.

Is that too much to ask? If that's the way people are spoken to when they contact this newspaper with a news item, then I have no intention of ever contacting them again.

[Balbus]

I'm told the funding for the Todmorden Curve has already been secured. It would be ridiculous to spend £130 million on the Northern Hub (yesterday's Budget) without it.

[cashman]

I think yeh have been very restrained to not mention the fact it was that useless local rag the Accy Observer.

[Tealeaf]

Well, if it has been cancelled then someone needs to let the Dingles know. It looks like they will now be spending a few bob on doing up Manchester Rd station. Here's a report from last weeks regional developers rag:

> News > Station work moves ahead for Todmorden Curve - Place North West

If the curve rebuild is not to go ahead, it will probably be because the rest of the Manchester-Leeds line is now to be electrified and as such there won't be any room for any mucky old East Lancs DMU's to share the track.

[claytonx]

Evening Telegraph 31 October 2011 £9 Million boost for go ahead on Todmorden Curve. Nick Clegg confirmed monies from Regional Growth Fund.

[jaysay]

Well I'm glad its going ahead, take the strain of all those plastic mancs on match days

[Gremlin]

Last week I noticed workmen clearing the old track bed and there was plenty of activity with machinery.
It looks like work has already started.

[Neil]

Not being an expert on trains I had a look on google maps to see where this missing curve was. This link shows what I think is the missing bit.

Todmorden - Google Maps

The track at the top of the picture curves to the right and you can see, if you zoom in a bit, where the track curves to the left disapears into the trees. It can just be seen where it used to join to the track in the bottom left of the picture.

Its hard to understand why this track was ever removed with it being so short a section.

[Gremlin]

The curve made up one side of a triangle, one side ran from Todmorden station to Burnley and onwards to Accrington, another side ran from Todmorden station to Hebden Bridge and beyond, that is still functioning The third side was the line from Burnley to Hebden Bridge which missed out Todmorden Station and is also still in use.
When the Curve is reinstated trains will once more run from Accrington through Todmorden station and onwards to Manchester on the existing line.

In summer there were always plenty of trains running through Todmorden station to Blackpool and the line was very busy.

When I was a youngster there were coal trains running from Yorkshire to Lancashire and banking engines were stationed on a line next to the Curve to push the trains up to Copy pit.
Some drivers would let us ride up and back with them. One day we got to Copy Pit and the signalman told the driver his engine was needed back at Rose Grove and not to return to Todmorden. Me and my mate had to walk it all the way back home, I guess we were about 10 years old at the time.

[garinda]

Also mentioned here, when it was first announced.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...rve-59758.html

[yerself]

Have a read here: Todmorden Curve diagram Community Rail Lancashire

[keep the faith]

Originally Posted by cashman

I think yeh have been very restrained to not mention the fact it was that useless local rag the Accy Observer.

Nice one Cashy!!!

[stetrovers]

If they do reinstate the curve will this mean a train would be able to a circular, so, for instance, if i want to go to Manchester from Accrington i could go through Blackburn one way or through Todmorden the other way? Would Northern Rail do this do you think? An extra train every hour would be good, stopping at all stations

[Reamer]

Here's a link from the LT showing revamped design for Burnley Man Rd station.
Final paragraph states that services to Manchester via Tod curve due to start May 2014

Iconic fin design planned in Burnley Railway Station revamp (From Lancashire Telegraph)

[wadey]

Having lived in Tod I never understood why it was removed, my son came back on the train from Blackpool and had to get off at Hebden Bridge and then walk to the taxi office to get a cab to Todmorden (the train having passed his house !)