Rail services in Salford are to be suspended for several weekends to facilitate upgrade work at the city's train stations. Network Rail is investing £21m in constructing a third platform at Salford Crescent station to reduce delays on the line.
The improvements aim to boost capacity for trains passing through central Manchester and beyond, alleviating network congestion. Salford Crescent is a key stop on the busy Manchester to Preston and Wigan lines, serving passengers from the North West, Scotland, Manchester, and Manchester Airport.
As one of Greater Manchester's busiest stations, it recorded nearly 1.2m entries and exits in 2023/24. According to Kaseya Chisala, Network Rail sponsor, the upgrades will result in "smoother, more reliable journeys" through Salford Crescent and beyond.
During the line closures, rail replacement buses will operate between Manchester, Bolton, and Wigan, while some trains between Manchester, Wigan, Preston, and further afield will be rerouted. Passengers are advised to check their travel plans in advance.
For those heading to Salford Crescent, rail tickets will be accepted on Bee Network buses across the city, providing an alternative link to the station.
Craig Harrop, Northern's regional director, has assured passengers of the "long term benefits" from the upcoming works, noting that "plans [are] in place to ensure people can still get where they want to be during the improvement works."
Meanwhile, a £10M project by Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is set to enhance Salford Central station this year, with a focus on accessibility and facility upgrades. The station will boast a new customer ticket office, information points, accessible toilets, and improved signage to connect with Greater Manchester's Bee Network.
Salford Central is currently closed until April 21 for these works, and an additional closure is scheduled for Sunday, April 27. Last weekend, March 1 and 2, saw no rail services running through Salford stations, and further train-free weekends are now planned.
Simon Elliott, TfGM's head of rail, said: "The investment at both Salford Crescent and Salford Central will not only improve the passenger experience but help deliver a more reliable and connected railway that works for everyone."
There will be no rail services across Salford on the following weekends: March 8-9, March 15-16, March 22-23, April 12-13, Sunday April 20, Sunday April 27, Sunday May 4, and May 17-18.
From Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, September 14, a portion of University Road West beneath the bridge will also be shut in both directions for approximately a year. Network Rail has stated that a diversion route is set up to reduce local disruption and access to properties will always be maintained.
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