The Branch from Blackrod to Horwich was opened in 1869, with a north to east junction from the Bolton & Preston line. A separate branch platform was provided, accessed via the Goods Yard or from the other platforms by means of a long wooden foot bridge, which survived until a few years after the closure of the branch to passengers in 1965.

The style and scale of the buildings at Horwich, despite being more than 20 years later, were similar in design. Like Blackrod, there was a goods shed & booking office, but only a single platform. At the time, no one was aware of the huge affect that the railway would have on the town in the not-too-distant future. However, like most towns, it grew steadily after the arrival of the railway.

In 1885 the decision was made to site the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway's Locomotive Works at Horwich. That decision transformed the town, providing ample employment and prosperity for a century to come. The station at Horwich however, unlike other railway centres such as York, Crewe and Swindon, remained a modest affair until it was closed as part of the Beeching cuts in 1965. The station lasted just long enough to see in the diesel era, closing just 3 years before the end of steam on Britain's railways.

For more details on Horwich Station, please visit the Horwich Station website.

The original junction only provided for trains to enter the branch from the Chorley direction, with trains having to reverse beyond the signalbox to travel towards Manchester. This situation was rectified when the Locomotive Works was built - Horwich Curve being added to complete the triangle. At the same time, the line to Hilton House was opened, with both junctions being under the control of Horwich Fork Jct Signal Box.

The slightly truncated branch remained open after the closure of Horwich Station, serving the Locomotive Works until it too was closed in 1983 and the rails were eventually lifted in 1989.