Network Rail closes Sough Tunnel Damage Rail Closure after wall damage

Network Rail shut the sough tunnel damage rail closure on May 17 after morning inspections found damage to the tunnel wall between Blackburn and Bolton. Rail replacement buses were put on to keep passengers moving while engineers inspected the structure.

The line was expected to stay closed for most of May 17, and Network Rail said tickets were being accepted on the buses. The tunnel carries passenger trains between Clitheroe and Manchester through a hillside in Darwen and is about 1,842 metres long.

Network Rail inspection

Network Rail said engineers were carrying out a full inspection of the structure after the damage was found. A spokesperson said: “Sough Tunnel between Blackburn and Bolton remains closed after damage was found to the tunnel wall during inspections this morning. We need specialist equipment on site to carry out repairs, so we need to keep the line closed while we fix it.”

The company also said: “We don’t yet have a reopening time but will share an update as soon as we know more. We’re sorry for the disruption and thank passengers for their patience. Rail replacement buses are running to keep passengers moving. Please check before travelling.”

Blackburn and Bolton link

Sough Tunnel connects Blackburn and Bolton and has linked Lancashire to Manchester for more than 175 years. It has two shaft turrets that protrude out of the Darwen moors.

The tunnel has long served passenger trains through the hillside route, so the closure interrupted a direct rail link and left buses handling the journey while repairs were planned. For anyone travelling that stretch on May 17, Network Rail’s instruction was to check before leaving and use the replacement buses already in service.

The reopening depends on the inspection and the specialist equipment now on site, with Network Rail saying it will issue another update once it has more information.