Next month, Network Rail will be undertaking a £7.9 million upgrade at Manchester Piccadilly.

The work, taking place during the February half term for nine days (14th-22nd February), will involve a major overhaul of points, signalling systems, and track.

Some of the current infrastructure dates back to the 1980s and is in much need of an upgrade to keep trains reliable.

During the nine-day period, no trains from the south and east of the city will serve the station due to the nature of the work.

Engineers will lay 9,000 metres of new cabling, upgrade timber sleepers to concrete, replace 11 sets of points, and modernise signalling equipment.

Platforms 1-12 will be closed; however, the concourse will remain open, with limited westbound services from platforms 13 and 14.

Passengers are advised to check online before travelling and, if travelling, to pack lightly, as the area will be very busy.

“We are a month away from our £7.9m investment to renew the Piccadilly corridor, a stretch of track critical to the journeys of around 400,000 trains into Manchester every year. 

“This work is going to significantly reduce disruption for the many passengers who regularly use this route. Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway. 

“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we have worked closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council to develop an alternative travel plan that will keep people on the move. Please, plan your journey in advance as we are expecting services to be busy. We are grateful for your understanding.” 

Rebecca Rathore, Network Rail’s North West route strategy director