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
Grant Application Successes
Three new projects have received grants from Northern and the Community Rail Development Fund with support from Community Rail Lancashire. Posted 10.08.26
Squires Gate Quarterly Update July 2026
The Friends of Squires Gate Station on the South Fylde Line look after the public platform and also under licence from Network Rail the disused platform. Posted 03.08.26
Ansdell & Fairhaven Quarter Report July 2026
The Friends of Ansdell & Fairhaven have published their quarterly update for July 2026. Posted 04.08.26