Two stations in Greater Manchester rail stations are to receive a £10m upgrade to provide step-free access and make it easier for people to catch the train. The works are due to commence in mid-March 2024 and be completed by December 2024.

At Daisy Hill, work will start in mid-March on a £4m investment to install a passenger lift to provide step-free access and make improvements to the station’s accessible car parking facilities. Work is planned to finish by December 2024.

At Irlam, two new passenger lifts will be installed in a £5.7m investment to provide step-free access to and from the platforms, with work planned to begin in early March 2024 and be completed by the end of January 2025.

The work is being delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Northern Trains and Network Rail, and funded by the Department for Transport‘s Access for All scheme and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Daisy Hill

General construction works will take place on weekdays between 7 am and 6 pm, although network disruptive works will take place during evenings and weekends.

The works will affect both car parks with the gravelled car park to the southwest closed entirely throughout the work and the car park to the north closed for approximately eight weeks.

Whilst the lift is being installed, there will be changes to the ticket office and booking hall at the station entrance to create a new lift lobby area. During this part of the ticket office will be closed and alternative arrangements will be announced nearer the time, although tickets can still be purchased via apps or on Northern Trains.

Irlam

The work will see two new passenger lifts installed in the subway underpass between platforms 1 and 2. However, although the station will remain open, the underpass will be out of use for a certain period during construction but access to rail services will still be maintained at all times.

The number of spaces in the station car park will be reduced during the works as part of it will be used for site welfare facilities equipment and vehicles.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Our rail stations, and our wider public transport system, should be accessible to everyone.

“There should be no barrier to anyone using trains to reach their destination or connecting to Metrolink or bus services for the next leg of their journey. Through the Bee Network, we want to create a transport system that everyone can use.

“These two schemes will bring much-needed accessibility improvements for passengers at Daisy Hill and Irlam – and a welcome step towards our ambition for every station in Greater Manchester being accessible to people with disabilities as well as those with prams, pushchairs and heavy luggage.”

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “This latest investment in our rail infrastructure is to be welcomed – particularly when it improves accessibility. These enhancements at Irlam and Daisy Hill stations will make a huge difference to some of our customers and we look forward to the works being completed over the next 12 months.”

Phil James, North West route director for Network Rail said: “ This £10m investment across the two stations will provide much-needed step-free access to and from the platform which is vital to ensure our public transport is accessible for everyone.

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to passengers for their patience during the upgrades which will ensure the station remains accessible for everyone for years to come.”

Bolton Council’s Leader Cllr Nick Peel, said: “We want to ensure that the borough has sustainable transport options which are accessible for all.

“The upgrades made through the Access for All scheme at Daisy Hill include a passenger lift which will benefit many residents and greatly improve their travelling experience.”

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: “We have been working tirelessly to deliver on our commitment to creating a truly integrated and accessible transport system in Salford and across the Bee Network. By diligently working towards this objective, we aim to create a transport system that fosters inclusivity, promotes independence, and improves the overall quality of life for our residents.

“By installing passenger lifts and implementing other enhancements, we are making it easier for people with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, and individuals with heavy luggage to access the rail services that are not only convenient but essential to their daily lives.

“We are committed to building a more inclusive and connected rail system across Salford, where everyone can enjoy seamless and barrier-free access to public transport.”