Passengers in Salford are being advised ahead of developments at Salford Crescent station, after receiving a £21m investment to improve train services in 2025.
The station is set to see an additional platform added to improve passenger flow and reducing train delays.
Across 2022 and 2023, the station handled almost 1.2 million entries and exits making it one of the busiest stations in Greater Manchester.
The flexibility will allow more trains to travel through the busy station on the busy Manchester to Preston line.
Work in the station will begin in 2025 across several weekends between March and September next year.
The work will be complete by early 2026, the additional platform will give signallers more options to ease “traffic jams” through the station and busy rail network.
As Ben Porter, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The new third platform at Salford Crescent station will mean signallers can better organise how trains move through the area.
“Passengers will have smoother, more reliable journeys both through Salford and across the North West.”
He continued: “To carry out this upgrade, we need to close Salford Crescent station for some weekends in 2025.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause for some passengers. We’re grateful for your patience while the upgrade takes place.”
The project will also coincide with Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail investment of £10m to Salford Central station.
The investment involves new customer information points and wayfinding to join up with the Bee Network, supporting Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated public transport system.
Salford Central station will be closed from Monday 10 February to Monday 21 April 2025, but trains will still continue to pass through.
Simon Elliott, Head of Rail at TfGM, said: “This investment in Salford will not only improve the passenger experience but also contribute to a more reliable and connected network for everyone.
“These upgrades are a vital part of our wider ambition to improve our integrated and sustainable transport system for the future.”
The investment to the network line will provide customers with long-term benefits, and the improvements will hope to thee local transport links.
This ambition was shared by the Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett, who said: “This is much needed investment in our local transport network.
“There has long been a need to improve these two key stations and so it is great to see this planned work now confirmed.
“These works will ultimately benefit everyone and I’m sure rail users will look forward to the positive impact these improvements will make to their journeys,” he added.
The project will also see support from both Salford City Council and the University of Salford, working with the rail industry to improve the network link.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech said: “It’s great to see the investment being made in improving the rail infrastructure in Salford.
“The work will support our wider ambitions of delivering economic growth and transformation in our region.”
The development of the train station is set to occur over weekends between March and September 2025, improvements to the network will be informed.
As train operator, Northern, will be working with Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester to keep passengers informed during the work.
Dates for the closures of the train station can be found here.
