Wigan Album

Sad end to a once busy connection for goods and coal trains,
and the odd passenger train. Many thanks Brian.

Would have closed earlier than the 70s, a very important line and well used for passenger trains when the West-coast-main line was being electrified. Think about it now, it could to-day have been useful, and help to cut down lorries off our roads with the heavy goods loads.

The bridge to the right is still there, under it is the walk and cycle way to platt bridge, crossing the main road near the old lancashire union, the hindley no 2 box is to the left where my uncle Jimmy was the signalman for a good many years, good memories, I fired over and under it, as well as walking through it, so gone full circle, keep um coming Brian

I believe, but will stand to be corrected that the junction is still there (minus the tracks). Just past the Makerfield Way bridge going towards Hindley the cycleway has fork in it. The right one goes to the bridge on the left. The left runs for a few yards and then peters out into a narrow path. It runs to Hemfield Road, and may have been intended as another cycleway at one time.

A beltin' photograph though, I never saw it when it looked like that, but I use the cycleway a lot in summer.

Thanks for these brilliant photos. I have printed some off for my friend Neil in London who has a great interest in the old railway lines around Wigan, especially the Ince area.

Is this the railway line that passed under Morrisons supermarket road bridge? I live in Pemberton, and work in Ince.

yes it is phil. in the photo your looking towards hindley.the left line went towards hindley station the right went towards plattbridge.

Got it, thanks Dave.

The sad end, an even ugly sight is that 6 car diesel train. And this is what they call progress ?????? The complete railway system as been killed off, it's cuts cuts cuts today I'm afrade.

Today, most of these trains are only two coaches, went to Southport last with my wife and granson, and had to stand.... its the car this year I'm afrade.

De trafford jnc in the vee near platelayers cabin. Worked the signalbox for a while in 1960s jimmy whittle worked hindley no2 box