The Government has announced a £72 million package to improve train services in Manchester and the north
The funding will deliver a third platform at Salford Crescent to reduce congestion and delays
Manchester Victoria Station will also benefit from extra entry and exit points to platforms, making it easier for passengers to travel through the station during busier periods.
However plans to build two new platforms at Piccadilly station have been put on hold with the Government asking the Manchester Task to look at alternate ways to ease congestion around the City Centre
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
This investment supports our commitment to transforming journeys across the north by achieving much needed infrastructure improvements in Manchester.
Today’s announcement is the latest step in transforming services over the next decade through the Manchester Task Force – a cross industry body, including representatives of Network Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester,Transport for the North and
local train operators
In order to deliver for passengers quickly while providing value for money for taxpayers, Network Rail has today withdrawn a previous planning application for rail infrastructure work in the city.
The Government has asked the task force to consider alternative options to better serve passengers and support the £26 million already injected to improve services at Manchester Piccadilly, Airport and Oxford Road stations.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:
There is a massive opportunity to change rail journeys for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and the North for the better, and this infrastructure investment is a welcome next step to help make that happen.
Through the task force and our trailblazer deal, we will continue working with government and the industry to help shape the comprehensive package of improvements needed to transform rail travel and support our growing economy, so that we can create more jobs and homes.
