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Fromt posh part of Bolton
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Posts: 397
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Bolton
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Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels -
18-02-2014, 20:07
History from the web
Opened in 1847 by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, the line from Manchester to Rochdale via Milnrow - known as the Oldham loop - skirted around the south of the town by means of two tunnels between Werneth and Mumps stations. Although it closed on 3rd October 2009, the route reopened in June 2012 as part of Manchester Metrolink's new line to Rochdale. The section through the tunnels will however close again when street-running tracks are laid into Oldham town centre, bypassing the original alignment.
Furthest west is Werneth Tunnel - 471 yards in length and perfectly straight. A short cutting leads the way to Central Tunnel which is slightly shorter at 449 yards; it incorporates a curve to the north. Both structures are masonry lined throughout and fitted with numerous refuges, however neither has a ventilation shaft.
Visited with a non-member after an easy Sunday at work, they have already started lifting the track; which is going to be used for some of the new line to Manchester Airport. I feel the tunnels will be bricked up quite soon.
My pictures could be better, the tunnels ate up my light and my camera only has an 8 second exposure. A re-visit with Snake Oil and Viral Eye is overdue. Anyway, here they are!
My fellow explorer
It's Dark and Hell is Hot........
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