As reported back in September the lift serving platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly station is being replaced early next year to improve the step-free access.
Passengers travelling to/from platforms 13 and 14 are being advised to allow more time for their journey.
Work will begin on Monday 31st January 2022 and is expected to last until Monday 16th May 2022.
There will be no lift available for passengers to use, but passengers will be able to make use of a new stairlift on platform 14 fitted to the staircase.
Assistance will be available from staff at the station to passengers who need help to get to and from platforms 13 and 14 during the works. Anyone who requires step-free access or luggage assistance, please allow longer for your journey through the station. Where available, passengers can book assisted travel with their train operator in advance.
During the time the lift is out of action, passengers may travel via the next nearest step-free station with their tickets.
Visit Network Rail website for more information on the lift renewal work.
If you are travelling to/from Manchester Piccadilly station during the works, please allow extra time and plan your journey in advance on the journey planner on National Rail Enquiries website.
Manchester Piccadilly station is a busy station with up to 14 trains an hour can stop at Platforms 13 and 14 which run to Manchester Airport, Liverpool, North Wales, Wigan, Southport, Bolton, Blackpool, the Lakes, the North East and Scotland.
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 15-week 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 stairlift facility provided in a timely way.”
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 works 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 & 14 at Manchester Piccadilly. While these improvement works are 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 works are 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”.
