Salford Central station reopened yesterday (Sunday 4 June) after the completion of the first phase of work to make it more accessible.

The station had lifts to the platform, but once on the platform, many passengers could not get on the train, because the gap between trains and the platform edge was too far for ramps to be used.

Since January, Network Rail has carried out work to raise the level of the platforms to reduce the gap, so that ramps can be used for all trains.

Passengers who need a ramp to get on and off their train can organise this in advance by using the Assisted Travel service.

At the same time, Network Rail workers have installed tactile paving on platform edge, to help visually-impaired passengers to board trains safely.

Although Salford Central is now more accessible for disabled people, and for people travelling with heavy luggage, buggies and pushchairs, it still needs further work to improve accessibility.

A further ten million pounds will be spent on phase two, in which engineers with install a covered walkway from the lift to the platform and will build more accessible toilets.

This work will take place next year, with Network Rail working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and station operator Northern.

Joanna Fielding, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while Salford Central has been out of action during our major improvements. Because we were altering the height of the platforms the station had to be completely closed for this important work to take place.

“This is an important step in our commitment to making rail travel accessible for all in Greater Manchester, with more investment coming to the station in the near future.”

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.”