CRL - Community Rail Lancashire

The Lines

Line
Todmorden Curve

 

The Todmorden Curve Line

A multi-million pound investment and almost a decade of partnership work between Burnley Council, Network Rail, Lancashire County Council and Northern, means that the first direct train service for over 40 years can now run between East Lancashire and Manchester.

The reinstatement of 500 metres of track known as the Todmorden West Curve, has improved journey times between Burnley, Accrington and Manchester and is a vital catalyst for jobs, economic growth and the visitor economy. This has put Burnley and Accrington within commuting distance of Manchester and opened up job prospects, as well as tourist and leisure opportunities.

Current times for the journey into Manchester Victoria from East Lancashire are:

Accrington 57 mins, Rose Grove 50 mins and Burnley Manchester Road 46 mins which is very competitive with other forms of public transport.

The Todmorden Curve route has a lot to offer in the way of attractions and things to do – click the links to download the ‘Explore East Lancashire by Train‘ leaflet or a booklet called ‘Discover Amazing Women by Rail‘ or visit the individual station pages using the navigation button on the right of this page.

Latest News

Yorkshire Dales Explorer 16 May 2026

The DalesBus 80 service cannot run to/from Ribblehead & Hawes this week due to road closures, but there is still plenty to do and see using the Yorkshire Dales Explorer service. Posted 13.05.26

Find out more

CRL Secures Funding For Two New Projects

Funding agreed for two projects, one on the West of Lancashire Lines and on on the Fylde Coast Lines. Posted 05.05.26

Find out more

Discover Bowland by Bus, Bike & Train

Explore the Forest of Bowland National Landscape with Eco Escapes - come for the day or stay for longer. Posted 05.05.26

Find out more