Piccadilly Station Closes for Nine Days Starting Today for £8M Renovation
The Manchester Piccadilly train station is undergoing a significant renovation, resulting in a complete closure from February 14 to February 22. This £8 million project is aimed at enhancing the station’s reliability and overall infrastructure.
Details of the Closure
During this nine-day closure, platforms 1 to 12 will be inaccessible, impacting services from the south and east. Only a limited number of westbound trains will operate from platforms 13 and 14. The concourse, however, will remain open for passenger access.
Purpose of the Renovation
The renovation is described as a “once-in-a-generation” overhaul by Network Rail. The project will update aging infrastructure, particularly on the southern approach to the station, which has been in use since the 1980s. This upgrade will include:
- Replacement of old tracks and signals
- Installation of modern cables and sleepers
- Significant improvements to points systems
Impact on Train Services
With the closure in effect, all trains from the south and east will not enter Manchester Piccadilly. The disruption will extend to certain northbound services and direct trains to Manchester Airport. Passengers should anticipate rerouted services terminating at alternate stations like Stockport. To facilitate travel, rail replacement buses and additional transport options will be available:
- Services from the south will terminate at Stockport or Crewe, with limited connections to Manchester Airport.
- Eastbound services from Glossop and Hadfield will terminate at Guide Bridge.
- North and west-bound services from Chester and Liverpool will terminate at Manchester Oxford Road.
Alternative Transport Solutions
Transport for Greater Manchester is stepping in to ease travel disruptions. They are working closely with Network Rail and other partners to maintain passenger movement despite the station’s closure. Passengers are encouraged to utilize the Bee Network app for real-time updates and alternative travel arrangements.
Advice for Passengers
Travelers are urged to plan their journeys ahead of time. Authorities recommend consulting relevant rail operator websites for the latest updates on service changes. Enhanced bus services will operate during the renovation period, ensuring connectivity across different routes. Key advice includes:
- Check travel plans before departure.
- Consider using rail replacement bus services available during the closure.
- Stay informed through social media and official channels for updates.
The work at Manchester Piccadilly is a crucial step towards improving railway reliability in the region. Network Rail and associated partners assure travelers that the temporary disruption will lead to long-term benefits for the station’s infrastructure.
