Network Rail is building a third platform at Salford Crescent station in Greater Manchester, but the work will require closure of railway lines in the area during weekends in March, April, May and September.
The £21m investment in the station will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays by allowing more flexibility and capacity for trains travelling through the area.
Salford Crescent station is served by trains from Manchester to Preston and Wigan, and services from across the North West and Scotland to Manchester and Manchester Airport.
It is it one of the busiest stations in Greater Manchester, and in 2023/2024 handled almost 1.2 million entries and exits.
To carry out the work safely, this part of the railway needs to close for several weekends in 2025. There will be no trains through Salford for all weekends in March, and some weekends in April, May and September. Salford Central station will also be closed completely until 21st April and on Sunday, 27th April.
As part of the improvements at Salford Central Station, Network Rail is working with Transport for Greater Manchester on a £10m project to provide improved accessibility and is upgrading the station with a new customer ticket office, information points, and accessible toilets.
While the line is closed, some train services between Manchester, Wigan, Preston and beyond will be diverted via alternative routes, while rail-replacement buses will provide services from Manchester to Bolton and Wigan stations. Passengers for Salford Crescent can also use their rail tickets on Bee Network buses across the city for travel to the station.
The weekends when there will be no rail services through Salford are:
- Saturday/Sunday 1st/2nd, 8th/9th. 15th/16th, and 22nd/23rd March.
- Saturday/Sunday 12th/13th April, and Sundays 20th/27th April.
- Sunday, 4th and Saturday/Sunday 17th/18th May.
- Saturday/Sunday 13th/14th September.
“The new third platform at Salford Crescent station will mean signallers can better organise how trains move through the area. Because of this work, passengers will have smoother, more reliable journeys both through Salford and across the North West. Closing the railway in Salford over some weekends this year is an essential part of how we can safely and efficiently deliver this upgrade. We re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our passengers. We re grateful for your patience and understanding. Please check the National Rail Enquiries website to plan your journey.”
Kaseya Chisala, Network Rail sponsor
Responses
While this very welcome, the question alshpuld be asked why it was not made big enough 40 years ago when it was built. Considering it has a massive passenger count the facilities are poor, no waiting room, and when I last needed the toilets, I was advised to use McDonalds, which is not exactly close.