Work in Manchester to deliver major signalling and track improvements continues

Engineers are carrying out significant upgrades on signalling and track in Manchester.

Work will continue in the next couple of weeks to improve track around the city centre, and new signalling equipment will be installed at Manchester Victoria.

It is part of the latest stage of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, designed to bring faster, more reliable services for passengers travelling between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.

The work is taking place over Christmas, and there will be changes for passengers on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December, and between Saturday 1 and Monday 3 January. Diversions will be used where possible to keep people on trains, but there will also be replacement bus services where necessary.

Neil Holm, Transpennine route upgrade director for Network Rail, said: “These improvements over the Christmas period are a crucial part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade which will transform journeys for passengers and better connect the North. As well as bringing more reliable services, the work will reduce delays and allow more trains to run in future.

“We’ve planned the work carefully to complete as much as possible on Christmas Day and Boxing Day when there are no timetabled train services running. There are some changes to services over the festive period, but trains are being diverted where possible for passengers who need to travel. I’d like to thank people for their continued patience and remind them to check before travelling.”

Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, said: “We’re forging ahead with our £96 billion investment to transform rail journeys through high-speed services and major improvements in the North and Midlands, far sooner than under previous plans.

“These vital works between Manchester and Stalybridge, modernising tracks and signalling, will ensure more services can run here – and far more reliably. Delivering these works now – at a time when fewer people are using the railway over the festive period – ensures we minimise disruption and deliver better journeys, sooner.

“I am indebted to all those who will be working hard to deliver these vital works, and wish them all a very merry Christmas.”

Chris Nutton, major projects director for TransPennine Express, said: “As crucial work begins over Christmas and into the New Year for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), there will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services; passengers are advised to allow for extra time and check the latest travel advice before they travel on our website www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates/changes-to-train-times; updates will also be available on our social media channels. In addition, extra support will be available for passengers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist passengers with their journeys.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a vital part of the future of rail in the North.

“As an industry, we have worked closely to keep disruption to a minimum and our customers on the move. We are advising anyone using our services over this period to plan ahead and check the latest travel updates.”

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