Passengers and motorists are being advised of rail and road closures in 2025.
Network Rail is investing £21m to build an additional, third platform at Salford Crescent station.
The new, extra platform will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays by allowing more flexibility for trains travelling through central Manchester and across the country.
Salford Crescent station is on the busy Manchester to Preston line, with services calling from across the North West into Manchester and Manchester Airport.
In 2022/23 the station handled almost 1.2 million entries and exits making it one of the busiest stations in Greater Manchester.
The platform will give signallers more options to ease “traffic jams” through the station and the busy central Manchester rail network.
To carry out this work safely, from today (13 January 2025), a section of University Road West under the bridge is closed in both directions for around a year. A diversionary route is in place to minimise local disruption and access to properties will always be available.
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.”
Network Rail has worked closely with Salford City Council on a diversionary route to minimise local disruption and make sure people can access their properties.
Network Rail is reminding passengers that Salford Crescent station will close for several weekends between March and September 2025. The work will be complete in 2026.
Work to improve Salford Central station is also taking place this year. Network Rail is working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on a £10m project to deliver important accessibility upgrades and improvements to the station building*.
The station will include new customer information points. There will also be signage for passengers to join up with the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated public transport system.
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.”
