Salford Crescent train station is set to close for ‘several weekends’ next year while a new third platform is built.
Passengers have been warned to expect to find the station closed during some weekends between March and September 2025, with the work expected to be finished in early 2026.
Network Rail said it is currently working with Northern and Transport for Greater Manchester to make sure passengers will know what their journey options are.
Weekends when the station will be closed include:
- March 1 and 2
- March 8 and 9
- March 15 and 16
- March 22 and 23
- April 12 and 13
- May 17 and 18
- September 13 and 14
The £21 million plans for a third platform at the station were lodged in July to help ease ‘traffic jams’ at one of Greater Manchester’s busiest transport hubs.
The station saw almost 1.2m entries and exits in 2022/23, and is based on the busy Manchester to Preston line, with services calling from across the North West into Manchester and Manchester Airport.
Railway bosses say an extra platform will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays by allowing more flexibility for trains travelling through central Manchester and across the country.
Alongside the project, Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail are investing £10m in Salford Central station.
The work involves new customer information points and wayfinding to join up with the Bee Network.
Salford Central station will be closed from Monday, February 10 to Monday April 21 in 2025, but trains will still pass through the station.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said the work will benefit everyone using the stations.
He added: “This is much needed investment in our local transport network, and something we have worked closely with partners in the city to secure.
“Salford City Council is committed to creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all and access to quality public transport is a key component to achieving this of our vision for the city.
“There has long been a need to improve these two key stations and so it is great to see this planned work now confirmed.”
Ben Porter from Network Rail said: “The new third platform at Salford Crescent station will mean signallers can better organise how trains move through the area.
“Because of this work, passengers will have smoother, more reliable journeys both through Salford and across the North West.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this [work] will cause for some passengers. We’re grateful for your patience while the upgrade takes place.”
Simon Elliott, Head of Rail at TfGM, sadded: “We welcome the significant improvement and investment planned with Network Rail’s work at Salford Crescent and TfGM’s at Salford Central.
“This investment in Salford will not only improve the passenger experience but also contribute to a more reliable and connected network for everyone.
“Together, these upgrades are a vital part of our wider ambition to improve our integrated and sustainable transport system for the future.”
