Transport for Greater Manchester has asked transport users across their area to check ahead before they travel as major rail infrastructure upgrades are taking place throughout the summer.
Committed to improving the transport links across in the North, the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project will deliver faster and more reliable train services between York, Leeds and Manchester.
Closures and disruption to services are as follows:
- Monday 19th July to Sunday 1st of August 2021 – Eccles Line closed
- Saturday 31th July to Monday 9th of August, Monday 16th July of August and Saturday 21th to Monday 23th of August 2021 – Closure of Victoria Tram Stop, no services between Monsall and the city centre, Abraham Moss and the city centre and between Victoria and Piccadilly
- Saturday 31th of July to Friday 6th of August 2021 – Piccadilly Gardens track replacement, trains terminating at Deansgate-Castlefield and Piccadilly on other lines
- Saturday 31th of July to Sunday 15th of August 2021 – Track upgrades and repairs to bridges between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale and Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge
Network Rail and Train Operating Companies are working with their partners and businesses to make sure there is minimum impact to rail users, which is why they are carrying out the work while the rail network is at it's quietest. Staff will be on hand to provide directions to rail replacement bus services, answer questions and provide information.
Real-time data and accurate travel information can be found on Transit, Citymapper and Moovit, which are all apps designed to help people find the best way of travelling between their selected destinations.
Transport for Greater Manchester's Customer Director, Stephen Rhodes, said: “We and our partners are investing in our roads and public transport infrastructure to ensure its continued safe, reliable and efficient operation.
“It's really important that we maintain and improve our networks, because they are the foundations from which any future improvements and expansions will be made – which is important as we look to the future delivery of The Bee Network, a more integrated and accessible transport system for all Greater Manchester's residents, workers and visitors.
“There is never a good time to close a road, stop or station, but the works taking place across the summer have been coordinated and timed to ensure the least amount of disruption.
“We are working closely with our partners to ensure replacement services are in place and making the right information available so that people can plan ahead. I'd encourage people to visit our travel information pages and keep an eye on our website and social channels for the latest information and advice.”
Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail, Neil Holm said: “Our improvement work in Greater Manchester, starting next month, is a key part of the TRU programme.
“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 trains, we've worked with our industry colleagues to ensure they're the best quality throughout.”
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