MAJOR bridge works are being planned for next year to make Bolton train station watertight.

But the waterproofing works will mean closures of parts of Trinity Street, close to the station, while the repairs are completed.

Rain is leaking through the bridge, causing water to slowly drip down on to the platforms at the station.

The station has recently undergone a £4 million revamp, but this additional work does not form part of that scheme.

It is expected that the road works will take place early next year, once Bolton Council has consulted with other utilities companies about whether any other works are needed on the same stretch of road, that could be carried out at the same time.

Paul Sumner, of Network Rail, said: “We will look at delivery of the work within the next year.

“The decision will be taken with the local authority in the new year, because there will have to be consultation with other agencies about other projects because there’ll be impact on road closures.”

A spokesman for Network Rail added: “The bridge needs new expansion joints and a full waterproofing system.

“Our contractor is working up some schematics for sign off and working closely with the council to agree road closures, which won’t be until the new year.”

The £4 million revamp of the station was unveiled last month. The station now has new waiting rooms and toilets, a new ticket facility and extended canopies.

There is a new squareglass extension to the coffee shop, which replaces the old conservatory-style seating area, and the existing waiting rooms have been modernised.

New information screens have been added at the bottom of the stairs to both platforms, and the footbridge has been refurbished including new glazing and painted steelwork