Oldham Tunnels - Derelict Manchester:

Derelict Manchester:

A view of the hidden parts around the inner sections around the city centre of Manchester, UK and beyond . How you perceive these derelict sites could be morbid, yet exciting.

Search This Blog

Oldham Tunnels

 



<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">


A Tale of Two Tunnels: The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels

Nestled beneath the bustling town of Oldham, Lancashire, lie two forgotten relics – the Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels. Their story is one of industrial revolution, transportation advancements, and ultimately, a brief brush with modernity before fading back into the shadows.





The Early Days: Connecting Oldham by Rail (1847)


The tunnels were constructed in 1847 by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway as part of the Oldham Loop, a crucial link connecting Manchester and Rochdale. This loop bypassed the town center, running between Oldham Mumps and Werneth stations. The Werneth Tunnel, stretching 471 yards, is perfectly straight, while the Central Tunnel, 449 yards long, features a gentle curve.



<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">






<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">


<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">



A Century of Service: From Steam Trains to Metrolink (1847-2009)

For over 150 years, the tunnels served as a vital artery for local transport. Steam trains chugged through, carrying passengers and goods, connecting Oldham to the wider region. In the 20th century, the line was electrified, and the tunnels continued to see regular use.






<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">
Near second Werneth Tunnel

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

A Brief Reprieve: Metrolink and the Return of the Trains (2012-2014)

In 2009, the original railway line was closed for conversion to Manchester Metrolink, a light rail system. The tunnels were given a new lease on life, reopening in 2012 as part of the Metrolink extension to Rochdale. However, this revival was short-lived.




<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">
Cable box for Metro Link..



Back to the Shadows: The Tunnels' Uncertain Future (2014-Present)

In 2014, the Metrolink route was once again rerouted, opting for street-running tracks through Oldham town centre. The tunnels were decommissioned, and their future remains uncertain. While some advocate for their preservation and potential repurposing, their fate hangs in the balance.



<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">

<img src="The Oldham Central and Werneth Tunnels UK" alt="abandoned railways in the UK ">
End of both tunnels


More on these tunnels on RazorTwistedExploring




No comments:

Post a Comment