There will be a disruption to train services between Manchester and Bolton this weekend because of engineering work at Salford Crescent station.

Work has been ongoing at the station in a £21m project to construct an additional third platform served by a new staircase and lift from the ticket office and footbridge.

Until now, this has not required station closure, but on Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th September, the station will need to close to enable the signalling for the new platform to undergo final testing and commissioning.

Once operational, the new platform will enable more trains to serve Salford Crescent and provide signallers with more options for easing congestion through the area and Manchester’s busy railway network.

To provide step-free access, a new lift shaft structure has been installed on the site of the new platform. A staircase linking the footbridge with the new platform is due to be installed later this month. Further information about the work is online at www.networkrail.co.uk/salford.

The disruption to services this weekend between Bolton and Manchester will also affect services between Manchester, Wigan, Preston, and beyond.

Some services will divert onto alternative routes, while rail replacement buses will serve other journeys.

Anyone intending to travel in the area affected this weekend should check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

“We advise anyone planning to travel on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September to check National Rail Enquiries and thank people for their ongoing patience while we transform the station so more trains can serve it in the future.”

“At Transport for Greater Manchester, we’re working hard to continue improving transport infrastructure across the city-region, transforming how people get around Greater Manchester. Working closely with partners such as Network Rail is key to delivering on our commitment to create a world-class public transport system. Building an extra platform at Salford Crescent is a key investment which will ultimately make services more reliable. It comes at a time when the £10m works to improve accessibility and the overall passenger experience at Salford Central – funded by TfGM – are due to complete over the coming weeks. Together, these works will improve journeys for rail passengers travelling across our city-region.”

Simon Elliott, TfGM network director for rail