A NEW rail link that will ease congestion for Bolton passengers has moved a step closer to completion.

Yesterday, the UK’s largest crane moved into place two massive arches standing on a stretch of line called the Orsdall Chord, linking Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations.

Once completed, the new link will allow more trains per hour to travel between Bolton and Piccadilly, as well as open up a series of new routes between east and west.

Sir Richard Leese, chairman of the Association of Rail North partner authorities, said: “The Ordsall Chord link is just one piece in a pipeline of rail improvement projects that will eventually transform the experience of travelling by rail.

“New stations, new trains, refurbishment of carriages and more frequent services with greater capacity will all become the norm in the months and years ahead.”

The new line is scheduled to be operational by December.