– Advertisement –
Manchester’s busiest railway station is about to get the biggest upgrade it’s seen in decades, but it means a little disruption first.
In February 2026, Manchester Piccadilly Station will close to most trains for nine days as Network Rail carries out what it’s calling a “once-in-a-generation” upgrade. The £7.9 million project will see major work on the southern approach to the station, one of the most critical stretches of track in the North West.
What’s happening at Manchester Piccadilly Station?
The overhaul, taking place from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February, will see engineers replace 11 sets of points, renew 9,000 metres of cabling, swap old timber sleepers for modern concrete ones, and install the latest signalling systems across six main lines.
Much of the infrastructure currently in use dates back to the 1980s, and Network Rail says this investment will mean smoother, more reliable journeys for the 400,000 trains that use the route every year.
“Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway,” said Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy managing director. “The major overhaul can only take place during a full railway closure, and we’re working closely with partners across the city to keep people on the move.”
What it means for passengers
During the nine-day closure, there will be no trains running into or out of Piccadilly from the south and east of the city, with some northern services also affected. Trains that usually terminate at Piccadilly will instead stop at alternative stations such as Stockport.
While platforms 1–12 will close, the main concourse will remain open, and there will still be a limited service from platforms 13 and 14 heading west. Staff will be on hand throughout the works to guide travellers towards replacement bus services and Metrolink Bee Network connections.
The Bee Network, which recently helped keep Manchester moving during the Greek Street blockade, will again play a key role. Network Rail is working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
“This investment is a crucial step in delivering a reliable and resilient railway that supports Greater Manchester’s growth,” said Simon Elliott, Network Director Rail at TfGM. “We know there’ll be short-term disruption, but the Bee Network will help keep people connected while these essential works take place.”
Plan your journeys from Piccadilly
Full details of travel alternatives will be shared in the coming weeks, and passengers are urged to check their journeys in advance via National Rail Enquiries or their train operator.
A spokesperson for train operators added: “This work will improve reliability for passengers using the region’s busiest station. We’d encourage everyone to plan ahead and stay informed as February approaches.”
Updates on the Piccadilly Corridor Renewal
For updates on the project, visit Network Rail’s Piccadilly Corridor Renewal webpage by clicking here.
So yes, your usual trip through Piccadilly might take a little longer next February. But the payoff? A smoother, more dependable rail experience for decades to come.
– Advertisement –