This is supervised from the nearby signal box, which also controls the only passing loop on the otherwise single track branch line.

From July 1970, Rufford became the only passing point on the truncated Preston-Ormskirk branch line after the Midge Hall to Ormskirk section was singled.

[1] Thereafter the timetable was further reduced, leaving the branch line to be operated by a single DMU running essentially along a long siding.

Rufford's Victorian signal box was demolished in October 1988 and replaced with a portakabin like structure on the site of the former station building.

[2] Network Rail plans to automate the crossing here, remove the loop and raise the line speed to 75 mph to allow a more frequent timetable to operate.