Roof repairs are underway

 Network Rail’s contractors have made a good start to the roof repairs at the station as these photographs show. Smart new tiles and flashing (made from plastic, so hopefully less vulnerable to thieving) are being laid on the main station roof, and old, rotten material is being removed from all sections.

Network Rail promised they would take care not to damage the flower beds and they have been as good as their word, for which FOWS are truly grateful.

Unfortunately the local know-nothings haven’t been so considerate and have been tearing up the foam wrapping that is supposed to make the scaffolding less dangerous to station users. British Transport Police are keeping a close eye on the problem and hopefully the culprits will soon tire of their game.

Coverage of the station’s … err … coverage

There’s some excellent coverage on the internet of the roof repair works started at Walkden this week.

Firstly the works are the subject of a Network Rail press release, and the story is also covered in a personal blog by a Network Rail insider, a blog that is well worth a read.

Bus replacements ALL DAY on Saturday 22nd August

Due to engineering works all trains from Walkden on Saturday 22nd August are replaced by buses.

Rail tickets are valid as normal but previous experience has shown that bus replacements are often slower, more crowded, and less reliable than trains – in fact they provide a salutary reminder of just why the train is such a superior way of traveling from Walkden !

For further details check the National Rail Journey Planner before travelling – and allow plenty of extra time for your journey.

Beware – bus replacements on the last train next Monday to Thursday

According to National Rail the 23.20 from Victoria to Walkden will be replaced by a bus next Monday to Thursday (3rd – 6th August).
Unless you enjoy slow journeys without toilets we suggest you avoid this service on these days.
Please note this is a change to previous National Rail advice which indicated the bus replacements would only run Tuesday-Thursday.

Beware – Rail Replacement Buses next week

Next week the last train (at 2320) from Victoria to Walkden is being replaced by a bus from Monday 11th to Thursday 14th.

Previously this has proved to be a slow and unsavoury experience – we don’t recommend it.

No trains next Saturday (18th October)

Due to engineering works there are NO TRAINS TO/FROM WALKDEN next Saturday. A bus replacement service will be provided – please see posters at the station or use the online Journey Planner for their times.

More details of the disruption can be found on the National Rail Enquiries website.

Bus Replacement for the 2318 from Victoria this week

Apologies for the late posting, but for this week (Mon 9th -Fri 13th) the last train from Manchester has been replaced by a (slooooow) bus to allow overnight engineering works near Hindley.

Today is the last scheduled day for the bus – hopefully things should be back to normal from tomorrow.

 

Christmas Engineering Works Cancelled

FOWS understands the line closure proposed for Saturday 29th December has now been cancelled – presumably the works will be rescheduled for a later date.

Engineering Works at Christmas

Network Rail have several sets of engineering work planned around the Manchester area between Christmas and New Year.

FOWS understand that the Walkden will only be closed on one date – Saturday 29th December.

Further details will be published once we know them.

Broken Rail and Engineering Works cause disruption

There are bus replacements between Wigan and Southport this week (20-28th October) while Network Rail carry out engineering works at Wigan.

Meanwhile all services between Walkden and Wigan were cancelled yesterday due to a broken rail between Walkden and Atherton.