Bury–Holcombe Brook line

Old Branch Line Viaduct - geograph.org.uk - 432079

Start of Kirklees Trail, Greenmount - geograph.org.uk - 469962

Bury–Holcombe Brook line

The Bury–Holcombe Brook line was a railway line in Greater Manchester, England, that connected the town of Bury with the village of Holcombe Brook. The line was part of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway network and played a significant role in the transportation of passengers and goods in the region.

History

The Bury–Holcombe Brook line was opened on 6 November 1882 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR). The line was constructed to improve connectivity between Bury and the surrounding rural areas, facilitating the movement of people and goods. The line was primarily single track, with passing loops at certain stations to allow trains to pass each other.

Route

The line started at Bury Bolton Street railway station, which was a major hub in the L&YR network. From Bury, the line headed north, passing through several intermediate stations before reaching its terminus at Holcombe Brook railway station. The intermediate stations included:

• Woodhill Road railway station
• Brandlesholme Road railway station
• Greenmount railway station

Operations

The Bury–Holcombe Brook line was initially operated by steam locomotives. In 1913, the line was electrified using a 3.5 kV DC overhead system, making it one of the first lines in the region to be electrified. This electrification was part of a broader initiative by the L&YR to modernize its network and improve efficiency.

Passenger services on the line were frequent, with trains running at regular intervals throughout the day. The line was also used for freight services, transporting goods such as coal, textiles, and agricultural products.

Decline and Closure

The Bury–Holcombe Brook line saw a decline in passenger numbers and freight traffic in the mid-20th century, largely due to the increasing popularity of road transport. The line was eventually closed to passenger services on 5 May 1952. Freight services continued for a few more years but were also discontinued by the late 1950s. The track was subsequently lifted, and much of the former railway alignment has since been repurposed for other uses.

Legacy

Although the Bury–Holcombe Brook line is no longer in operation, its legacy remains in the form of preserved railway infrastructure and local history. Some of the former station buildings and railway bridges still exist and serve as reminders of the area's rich railway heritage.

Related Pages

• Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
• Bury Bolton Street railway station
• Holcombe Brook railway station
• Rail transport in Greater Manchester
• History of rail transport in Great Britain

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