Oldham Werneth and Central Railway Tunnels
HISTORY
Originally opened in the 1860's for the Lancashire & Yorkshire railway, the 2 railway tunnels, Werneth & Central tunnel are situated between what was the Werneth & Oldham Mumps stations.
The loop line closed on the 3rd October 2009 for work to be carried out on the new Metrolink service.
The Werneth tunnel measures 471yards and runs straight through the hillside; while the Central Tunnel measures 449yards and has a 30o degree bend; the 2 are separated by a short cutting.
MY VISIT
Have been meaning to wander though these for a bit; so a wet afternoon in Oldham allowed me to explore the tunnels before the Metro Link opens; a nice leisurely Sunday afternoon.
I’ll start at the Eastern end of the Central tunnel
Within the Central Tunnel
Refuge in the Central Tunnel
Looking along the curve of the Central Tunnel
Western end of the Central Tunnel
Looking at the Werneth Tunnel from the Central Tunnel
Western portal ofto the Central Tunnel
Eastern portal to the Werneth Tunnel
Within the Werneth Tunnel
And finally the Western portal of the Werneth Tunnel
Well that’s it, well worth a visit if you’re at a loose end before the Metrolink gets up and running.
HISTORY
Originally opened in the 1860's for the Lancashire & Yorkshire railway, the 2 railway tunnels, Werneth & Central tunnel are situated between what was the Werneth & Oldham Mumps stations.
The loop line closed on the 3rd October 2009 for work to be carried out on the new Metrolink service.
The Werneth tunnel measures 471yards and runs straight through the hillside; while the Central Tunnel measures 449yards and has a 30o degree bend; the 2 are separated by a short cutting.
MY VISIT
Have been meaning to wander though these for a bit; so a wet afternoon in Oldham allowed me to explore the tunnels before the Metro Link opens; a nice leisurely Sunday afternoon.
I’ll start at the Eastern end of the Central tunnel
Within the Central Tunnel
Refuge in the Central Tunnel
Looking along the curve of the Central Tunnel
Western end of the Central Tunnel
Looking at the Werneth Tunnel from the Central Tunnel
Western portal ofto the Central Tunnel
Eastern portal to the Werneth Tunnel
Within the Werneth Tunnel
And finally the Western portal of the Werneth Tunnel
Well that’s it, well worth a visit if you’re at a loose end before the Metrolink gets up and running.
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