Salford Central station is set to undergo a huge £7.3m programme of upgrades by Network Rail which will get underway in the New Year, starting on the 2nd of January with completion expected by Summer 2023.

The station is in need of essential improvements and will bring a better travel experience for passengers whilst creating greater train reliability for the Greater Manchester area.

The project will see platforms raised in order to reduce the gap between train doors and ground level and will mean that for the very first time, ramps can be utilised to board services. These changes will improve accessibility for people with mobility issues, those travelling with heavy luggage and parents/carers with pushchairs.

Advanced notice of the major programme of work being carried out is being given to passengers as Salford Central station will need to close for six months due to the sheer size of the project.

Whilst the work is ongoing, trains will be unable to stop at Salford Central Station and a peak-time rail replacement shuttle service will be in operation every 15 minutes between Salford Crescent, Salford Central and Manchester Victoria.

Joanne Feilding, Scheme Project Manager for Network Rail said: ‘This package of improvement for Salford Central will benefit the thousands of passengers who use the station each year and make it much more accessible.’

‘Because the work means we must close the station for six months we wanted to make people aware of the improvements to come. I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the new and improved Salford Central station in summer 2023.’

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: ‘Salford Central has been serving the people of Salford and Manchester for 184 years. We welcome this much-needed investment, which will make a real difference to the customer experience and ensure the station can continue to serve the local community for many more generations to come.’

Paul Dennett, City Mayor of Salford, said: ‘I’m delighted to hear this essential work will bring in the new year. Salford Central is at the heart of our new business district, new bailey and needs this investment to make it truly accessible and fit for the 21st Century.’

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: ‘All of our city-centre stations need significant investment and we have made the case for this. I’m pleased to see improvements being delivered in Salford, and I hope to see this mirrored across our region’s other railway stations.’

Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys ahead of travelling via: www.nationalrail.co.uk.