Trains services will stop running across several weekends in Salford this year while work takes place to upgrade the city’s train stations.
A £21m project to build a third platform at Salford Crescent station has started to improve passenger flow and reduce ‘traffic jam’ delays.
The station is one of the busiest in Greater Manchester with around 1.2 million entries and exits a year based on the Manchester to Preston line, with services calling across the North West into Manchester and Manchester Airport.
While the work takes place a section of University Road West under the A6 bridge will be closed in both directions for around a year from today (January 13).
A diversionary route is in place to ‘minimise local disruption’ and make sure access to properties will ‘always be available,’ Network Rail said.
Work at Salford Crescent is set to finish in 2026.
A £10m project to improve Salford Central station is also taking place this year.
Network Rail is working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on accessibility upgrades and improvements to the station building.
This includes new customer information points and signage for passengers to join up with the Bee Network.
Salford Central will be closed from February 10 to April 21 while the work moves forward.
Due to the projects, no train services will be running in Salford on the following weekends in 2025:
- March 1 and 2
- March 8 and 9
- March 15 and 16
- March 22 and 23
- April 12 and 13
- April 17
- April 20
- May 4
- May 17 and 18
- September 13 and 14
Passengers are advised to check before weekend travel in Salford this year as the work at both stations affects some weekend services.
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. Because of this work, passengers will have smoother, more reliable journeys both through Salford and across the North West.
“Closing part of University Road West is an essential part of how we can safely and efficiently deliver this upgrade.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause for some drivers in Salford. We’re grateful for your patience while the work takes place.”
Mike McCusker, lead member for transport at Salford council, said: “The addition of a third platform at Salford Crescent station is a significant investment in our vision for the city of Salford as we continue to regenerate and rejuvenate our existing transport infrastructure to meet the future demands from our commuter and commercial stakeholders.
“Working with our project partners we have put plans in place to restrict disruption to people’s journeys through the area as much as possible and would thank everyone for their patience.
“The new platform will offer passengers an enhanced experience when using the station, future proofing the facilities and offering an innovative improvement that will enhance our connectivity locally, regionally and nationally.”
Simon Elliott, head of rail at TfGM, said: “As part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) ongoing commitment to enhancing the transport infrastructure across Greater Manchester, we welcome the significant improvement and investment planned with Network Rail’s work at Salford Crescent and TfGM’s at Salford Central.
“This investment in Salford will not only improve the passenger experience but also contribute to a more reliable and connected network for everyone. Together, these upgrades are a vital part of our wider ambition to improve our integrated and sustainable transport system for the future.”