Starting next month, Network Rail will be carrying out some work on the line through Manchester Victoria which will affect trains between Manchester Victoria, Rochdale and Stalybridge.
No services will operate through Manchester Victoria Between 31st July to 9th August, 14th to 16th, and 21st to 23rd August.
Trains between Manchester and Leeds via Todmorden will terminate at Moston. Whilst other services from Newcastle, York, Hull and Redcar will divert to Manchester Piccadilly.
Bus replacements will be in place for the people going to Rochdale from Manchester Victoria, as well as Moston and back.
The work is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), which is a multi-billion-pound programme set to improve the tracks in the North of England.
Passengers are being urged to check nationalrail.co.uk before travelling and to continuing follow Government guidance around the use of public transport.
Neil Holm, Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail, said: “Our improvement work in Greater Manchester, starting next month, is a key part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
“During this complex upgrade, we'll be demolishing ageing railway bridges to install new ones and upgrading track. This work is crucial to enable us to run more trains and faster trains in future as part of the wider TRU programme. Though we can't keep these railway lines open through Manchester Victoria while we do this, we've created diversionary routes so passengers can still get in and out of Manchester by train as much as possible.
“Where buses need to replace to trains, we've worked with our industry colleagues to ensure they're the best quality throughout.”
Tricia Williams, Northern's Chief Operating Officer, said: “It is welcome news that the railway continues to be invested in and the infrastructure improved upon.
“To complete these initial works there will be some planned changes to our services and our message to customers is very simple – please plan ahead and check your journey before travelling.
“To minimise disruption we will be running state-of-the-art replacement buses, offering clear customer information, including via digital and social channels, and will have more colleagues at stations to provide assistance both before and during the engineering works.”
Kathryn O'Brien, Customer Experience Director for TransPennine Express commented: “We're delighted to see continued investment in the North of England's railway as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. And with these works this summer, we will see a better, more reliable railway for our customers.
“To complete these engineering works, some of our services will be diverted and customers may have to change trains in Manchester, so we would advise those travelling to check before they travel. To help with those affected, there will be more railway colleagues at stations to help people get to where they need to be.”
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I still think that electrification to Stalybridge is still on the horizon. And maybe Rochdale could see electrification happening. With Northern to use Class 319, Class 331 and Class 769. Or if electrification doesn’t happen then Class 769s are suitable.