Trains will be affected on Sunday (March 2) as well as on March 22
Most of Manchester Piccadilly will be closed on Sunday 22 March(Image: MEN MEDIA)
Manchester Piccadilly is set for more disruption this weekend as essential works are completed. It comes after the city centre train station shut for nine days earlier this month to allow for major ‘once-in-a-generation’ track upgrades.
The major station, which connects the city of Manchester to destinations like London, Edinburgh and Birmingham, was hit with a nine-day closure during February half term, to carry out the £8m project.
During the closure, platforms 1 to 12 were closed as track and signalling upgrades were carried out, which resulted in one of the largest rail replacement bus operations the city has seen. In total over the nine days, there were 8,922 replacement bus services organised for rail passengers.
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And now, further disruption is planning for this weekend, with another closure taking place on Sunday, March 2. This is to facilitate the completion of the essential works which took place earlier this month.
In addition, there will be further disruption at Piccadilly train station on March 22.
Twelve platforms at Manchester Piccadilly train station were out of action for nine days earlier this month(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In a notice shared on the Bee Network website, it explains that while the works are taking place, platforms 13 and 14 will remain open for trains running on a reduced timetable to:
Liverpool Lime Street via Eccles and EarlestownBlackpool North via BoltonChester via Earlestown (Sundays only – this is a Transport for Wales service)
You can find further information about how your journey by train will be affected on Sunday 1 March and Sunday 22 March by visiting the Northern Rail website.
The Bee Network warns commuters to leave more time than usual if you’re travelling via the city centre on these dates, and plan your journey ahead before you set off.
The Metrolink tram services will operate as normal via Piccadilly, however separate tram works will be taking place on the Rochdale line on Sunday 22 March. No services will operate between Victoria – Rochdale, for the duration of the day. Find out more information on our dedicated tram works webpage.
In the work that took place in February half term, engineers replaced eleven sets of points, 9km of signalling and telecoms cabling, 4,000 timber sleepers and 5,500 tonnes of new railway foundation stone. Improvements also took place inside the station, including the repainting of platform edges, improvements in emergency lighting and a litter pick on the tracks between platforms.
Brian Paynter, Network Rail Capital Delivery track director, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to passengers for their patience while this once-in-a-generation upgrade has taken place over the last nine days. Manchester Piccadilly is one of the country’s busiest stations and it’s a key hub for people travelling to the North West.
“Upgrading the track over six lines in what’s known as the Piccadilly corridor will make journeys more reliable and the points and signalling systems less prone to faults – meaning fewer delays for passengers. It’s all part of our long-term commitment to invest millions of pounds to make the North West’s railway fit for the future.”
Simon Elliott, network director for rail at TfGM, added: “This was a once in a generation piece of work that will future-proof journeys for people travelling to and from Manchester Piccadilly train station for years to come.
“By working together with partners across the rail industry we were able to keep people moving and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while these works took place and all of our colleagues who helped people to make their journeys on Bee Network trams and buses.”