The government of the UK has announced a £72 million plan to enhance train services in Manchester and the north. A third platform will be constructed at Salford Crescent to reduce congestion and delays. The investment is the latest in an ongoing programme to transform rail services throughout the region over the next decade.
Following the announcement of a £72 million package in Manchester, passengers throughout the north will experience fewer delays and more reliable trains.
At Manchester Victoria Station, Rail Minister Huw Merriman unveiled the most recent of four infrastructure enhancements. Aimed at enhancing passengers’ day-to-day journeys throughout the region and fostering economic growth.
The funding will provide a third platform at Salford Crescent station and track enhancement work across north Manchester to reduce delays, bottlenecks, and station overcrowding, allowing passengers to experience more comfortable and dependable journeys.
Additionally, Manchester Victoria Station will gain additional platform entry and exit points. Making it simpler for passengers to navigate the station during peak hours.
Mark Harper, Secretary of Transport, stated:
This investment supports our commitment to transforming journeys across the north by achieving much-needed infrastructure improvements in Manchester.
Today’s funding, alongside major projects like HS2, the TransPennine route upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail, demonstrates our pledge to improving opportunities for passengers across the region and leaving a positive impact for generations to come.
The funding outlined today closely follows the launch of a new timetable in December 2022. Which was supported by £84 million of government investment to deliver a better-performing timetable. And longer platforms for electric trains with more seats to better serve passengers.
As a consequence, delays in central Manchester have decreased by 40% compared to levels in 2019/20, exceeding initial expectations.
Network Rail has withdrawn a previous planning application for rail infrastructure work in the city in order to expeditiously meet the needs of passengers and provide the best value for taxpayers.
The £26 million already invested by the UK government to enhance train services. Mainly at Manchester Piccadilly, Airport, and Oxford Road stations.
In conjunction with ongoing electrification projects and the already-underway TransPennine route improvement. The latest measures will pave the way for an improved timetable by the middle of the decade and the introduction of future HS2 services into the city.