Work has now started on a new passenger lift at Manchester Piccadilly station.
Engineers are going ahead with the project to ensure more reliable step-free access to station platforms.
The work will continue until Monday 16 May 2022.
During this time, the lift will be out of use. However, step free access to platforms 13 and 14 will be available by using a new fixed platform stairlift fitted to the staircase on platform 14.
Staff will be on hand at the station to help all passengers who need assistance getting to and from platforms 13 and 14.
Anyone who needs step-free access or assistance with luggage is recommended to allow extra time for their journeys and, where possible, book assisted travel in advance with their train operator.
Alternatively, tickets will be valid for passengers to travel via the nearest step-free stations while the lift work goes ahead.
For more information on the lift upgrade you can visit: www.networkrail.co.uk/ManPicLift.
Scott Green, Network Rail head of stations and passenger experience in the North West, said: “This investment into the lift at Manchester Piccadilly station will greatly improve reliability for passengers.
“We understand the upgrade will be disruptive for people and we are working closely with our train operator colleagues to make everyone’s journey as easy as it can be during the work.
“I’d urge anyone planning to travel via platforms 13 or 14 during the project to allow extra time for their journey and to plan ahead.”
Stephen Brookes, rail policy adviser for Disability Rights UK, said:“Disabled people have worked closely with Network Rail in advising on and seeking to minimise the impact of the closure of the lift facility at platforms 13/14 at Manchester Piccadilly station.
“We do recommend that disabled people share the news and information where possible. It is important that we all take extra time to arrive early at the station so that we can use the fully staffed replacement fixed platform stairlift facility provided in a timely way.”
Major train operators whose services use platforms 13 and 14 have welcomed the lift renewal project.
Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “Our customers are at the heart of all we do and it’s fantastic to see improvements taking place at one of the key stations that helps to connect people across the north of England.
“While the work is carried out Northern, along with our partners at Network Rail and other train operators, will do everything we can to assist our customers to ensure that their journey is as smooth as possible.
“We really appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during the work and encourage them to plan ahead, check before they travel and leave a little extra time for journeys while the lifts are being upgraded.”
Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director at TransPennine Express, said: “It’s great to see that this investment is being made into improving the quality and reliability of the lifts to platform 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly. While this improvement work is ongoing, we’d advise our customers to plan ahead, especially if they are travelling with any luggage or prams. Customers that require travel assistance can book this through our website.”
Neil Grabham, customer services director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are working with Network Rail to minimise disruption whilst the lift renewal work is taking place.
“We would recommend that all passengers leave extra time to make journeys and to check our website for updates from January to May 2022.
“We’d like to thank station users for their patience whilst the work takes place”.
Platforms 13 and 14 allow up to 14 trains per hour to briefly stop and then run straight through to Manchester Airport, Liverpool, North Wales, Wigan, Southport, Bolton, Blackpool, the Lakes, the North East and Scotland.
