Blackpool Branch Lines

The Blackpool Branch Line consists of the train line from Preston to Blackpool that splits at Kirkham and Wesham going towards Blackpool's main station Blackpool North and Blackpool's second station Blackpool South. Services from Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool terminate at Blackpool North and go via Poulton le Fylde.

The line from Preston to Blackpool South, the town's second rail terminus, passes through the conglomerated town of Lytham St Annes, near to Blackpool International Airport and stopping at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Trains usually begin in Colne on the East Lancashire Line before continuing via Burnley, Accrington and Blackburn to Preston. The distance between Colne and Blackpool South is 80 km (50 miles).

The South line from Kirkham and Wesham to Blackpool South has been a single track line since the early 1980s. Northern Rail runs an hourly service from Blackpool South to Colne, mainly using Class 142 stock. There are plans to replace these with newer stock, and to also to restore the double track on this section. [cite web
url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Revamp-set-for-Fylde-rail.3953388.jp
title=Revamp set for Fylde rail line
publisher=Blackpool Gazette
accessdate=2008-04-16]

See also

* Fleetwood Branch Line
* Preston and Wyre Joint Railway

References