Network Rail’s project aims to improve tracks, points and signalling systems
More details on alternative transport will be made available soon, according to Network Rail(Image: Supplied)
Passengers travelling through Manchester Piccadilly next month are being urged to plan ahead as Network Rail prepares for a “major overhaul” of the station’s southern approach in a project described as a once-in-a-generation upgrade.
Work begins on Saturday, February 14 and will continue for nine days, running through the February half-term break until Sunday, February 22. During this period, no trains from the south or east of Manchester will be able to access Piccadilly, and several northern services, including some links to Manchester Airport, will also be affected.
The £7.9 million engineering project will see significant renewal of ageing infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1980s. Network Rail says faults on this part of the network have widespread consequences because they affect almost every service entering Manchester Piccadilly.
As part of the upgrade, engineers will:
- Replace 11 sets of points
- Renew 9,000 metres of cabling
- Upgrade timber sleepers to modern concrete versions
- Modernise lineside equipment across six lines
The scale of the work means rail replacement buses will operate on affected routes, and passengers are being warned to expect queues and busy stations. Travellers are advised to allow extra time, travel light, and check updated timetables in advance — journey planners have already been updated.
Twelve platforms at Manchester Piccadilly train station will be out of action for nine days in February(Image: Supplied)
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council have worked with Network Rail and train operators to create an alternative travel plan. TfGM will offer ticket acceptance on selected Bee Network bus and Metrolink services, with full details to be released ahead of the closure.
While platforms 1 to 12 will shut during the upgrades, the main station concourse will remain open, and a limited westbound service will continue to operate from platforms 13 and 14. Extra staff will be on hand to help passengers with connections to buses and Metrolink services.
Passengers are encouraged to keep checking for the latest travel information as the upgrade period approaches.
Rebecca Rathore, Network Rail’s North West route strategy director, said: “We’re investing £7.9m in renewing the Piccadilly corridor, a stretch of track critical to the journeys of around 400,000 trains into Manchester every year.
“This work is going to significantly reduce disruption for the many passengers who regularly use this route. Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway.
“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we have worked closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council to develop an alternative travel plan that will keep people on the move. Please, plan your journey in advance as we are expecting services to be busy. We are grateful for your understanding.”
Simon Elliott, Network Director Rail at TfGM, said: “This investment in Manchester Piccadilly’s rail infrastructure is a crucial step forward in delivering a reliable and resilient railway for passengers, freight and supporting the city-region’s continued economic growth.
“We are working closely with rail industry colleagues to support people to move easily across Greater Manchester while these essential works take place with ticket acceptance on a range of Bee Network bus services and Metrolink on affected routes.”
A spokesperson for train operators said: “This work will improve the reliability of trains running into the region’s busiest station.
“During this essential work, we’re expecting services to be busy, so please plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Please check with your specific operator or with National Rail Enquiries for detailed journey information.”
Network Rail said there are a number of major improvement works planned across the West Coast Main Line in the coming months. Find out more about all the work taking place to keep passengers moving here.
For updates about the project at Manchester Piccadilly, visit the webpage: Piccadilly corridor renewal – Network Rail.