The Preston and Wigan Railway obtained an act of Parliament, the Preston and Wigan Railway Act 1831 (1 Will.
4. c. lvi) on 22 April 1831 to build a 15 miles 30 chains (24.7 km) line between Wigan and Preston.
[a][act 1][4][5][6] On 8 August 1833 the board decided that it would be to their advantage to amalgamate with the Wigan Branch Railway, the directors of the Wigan Branch Railway met shortly thereafter and agreed with them.
4. c. xxv) was approved and gained royal assent on 22 May 1834 incorporating the two railways as the North Union Railway.
[act 2][8] The line was formally opened by the North Union Railway on 21 October 1838 and to the public on 31 October.