Network Rail has begun a £7.9 million “once-in-a-generation” renewal of track and signalling on the southern approach to Manchester Piccadilly. From 14–22 February platforms 1–12 are closed, severing direct services from the Midlands and London and affecting the rail link to Manchester Airport that many corporate travellers rely on. Limited services will run from platforms 13–14, while south-bound trains will terminate at Stockport.
The upgrade replaces 11 sets of points and cabling dating back to the 1980s, a section responsible for 400,000 train movements a year. Network Rail says the work will cut delays by 30 percent once complete. However, substitute bus services add up to 45 minutes to airport journeys, prompting airlines to advise passengers to switch to the tram or pre-book taxis.
![Nine-day closure of Manchester Piccadilly starts today, disrupting airport links and business routes]()
Employers with regular commuters on London-Manchester day trips should consider remote-working arrangements next week; peak-time Avanti services into Stockport are expected to be busy and advance tickets may not be honoured on alternative routes.
The closure also affects freight, with logistics firms warning of congestion on the West Coast Main Line diversions. Businesses moving time-critical goods – notably aerospace components and pharmaceuticals – should revisit contingency plans.
Network Rail has published a microsite with real-time progress dashboards, a first for a UK rail-infrastructure project, allowing travel-managers to decide when to resume normal itineraries.
The upgrade replaces 11 sets of points and cabling dating back to the 1980s, a section responsible for 400,000 train movements a year. Network Rail says the work will cut delays by 30 percent once complete. However, substitute bus services add up to 45 minutes to airport journeys, prompting airlines to advise passengers to switch to the tram or pre-book taxis.
Employers with regular commuters on London-Manchester day trips should consider remote-working arrangements next week; peak-time Avanti services into Stockport are expected to be busy and advance tickets may not be honoured on alternative routes.
The closure also affects freight, with logistics firms warning of congestion on the West Coast Main Line diversions. Businesses moving time-critical goods – notably aerospace components and pharmaceuticals – should revisit contingency plans.
Network Rail has published a microsite with real-time progress dashboards, a first for a UK rail-infrastructure project, allowing travel-managers to decide when to resume normal itineraries.
