Network Rail has announced that Platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly station will see a lift renewal project which will bring improved step-free access for the station.

The station will see a 15-week project which will commence on Monday the 3rd of January 2022 and is expected to be completed by Monday the 18th of April 2022.

Whilst the work is underway, the lift will be out of action. However, step free access for platform 13 and 14 will be available as a new stair lift has been added to the staircase on platform 14. 

During the project, staff members will be available at the station to support passengers needing help getting both to and from platforms 13 and 14.

Passengers who require step free access or help with luggage are advised to book assisted travel beforehand via their train operator.

Tickets will also be valid for passengers to travel on the nearest step-free stations whilst the project is underway.

Manchester Piccadilly platforms 13 and 14 see up to 14 trains each hour which stop briefly before heading straight on to Manchester Airport, Liverpool, North Wales, Wigan, Southport, Bolton, Blackpool, the Lakes, the North East and Scotland.

Passengers are also being advised to allow for extra time on their journeys and can plan in advance via the National Rail Enquires journey planner, which is available here:  www.nationalrail.co.uk

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 plan ahead.”

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 April 2022.

“We’d like to thank station users for their patience whilst the work takes place”.

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