Passengers who travel to or from Manchester Piccadilly station are advised of changes to journeys during September and early October as Network Rail teams resurface platforms 13 and 14. The resurfacing follows work which began earlier in 2023, which saw tactile studs installed and safety markings improved.

Platforms 13 and 14 usually support 14 trains each hour for brief stops before heading on to Manchester Airport, Liverpool, North Wales, Wigan, Southport, Bolton, Blackpool, the Lakes, the North East and Scotland.

The resurfacing work will require the closures of both platforms, 13 and 14 on the following dates:

• Sunday 3 September
• Sunday 24 September
• Sunday 1 October

During the above closures, no trains will operate between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, however, rail replacement buses will support passenger journeys.

Customers travelling during the periods of work are advised to check their travel plans ahead of making their journey by visiting National Rail whilst adding more time for travel than usual.

Below shows how Rail Operators will keep passengers on the move during the above work dates:

Northern:

• Blackpool North – Manchester Airport: Trains will start and terminate at Manchester Oxford Road.
• Barrow-in-Furness – Windermere – Manchester Airport: Trains will start and terminate at Manchester Oxford Road.
• Liverpool Lime Street – Manchester Airport – Wilmslow: Trains will start and terminate at Manchester Victoria.
• Rail replacement buses will be operating between Bolton and Manchester Airport and also between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport – Wilmslow.

TransPennine Express:

• No train services will operate between Manchester Airport and Preston or between Manchester Airport and Manchester Victoria.
• Rail replacement bus services will be in operation both to and from Manchester Airport

Passengers using Rail Replacement Buses can find further information and advice regarding accessibility and travelling with a bicycle by clicking here.

Information regarding the location of rail replacement buses will be available on station signs or by searching a station via Network Rail’s station information page, which can be found by clicking here.

Rail replacement buses may sometimes be busier than usual and passengers travelling on them will need to add extra time for their travel.

A will be in use crane on Fairfield Street during the period of work to lift materials onto the elevated platforms and will see traffic lights in operation.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said:

“We know there’s never an ideal time to close the railway, but these Sundays are the least disruptive time to carry out the important resurfacing and installation of tactile studs on platforms 13 and 14 at Manchester Piccadilly so blind and partially sighted people can safely get on and off trains.”

“I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we complete the important accessibility upgrades and urge people to check National Rail Enquiries in advance so they know what to expect from their journey.”