10.02.15
NR completes work on fourth platform at Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport station has reopened after Network Rail completed work to install track and signalling as part of the new fourth platform.
The station had been closed from 19 January, with travellers advised to find alternative ways of getting to and from the airport as rail replacement buses were put on to cope with the disruption.
But following the “essential” upgrade, which will allow extra services to call at the airport and provide passengers with better access from across the north of England, Network Rail handed back the station on time on 9 February.
The fourth platform, which is due to be brought into use in May 2015, will provide greater capacity and flexibility at the station which will contribute to a better, more reliable railway with better connections to the airport.
Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: “Project by project, the upgrades being made to provide a better railway across the north of England are being completed. The new fourth platform at Manchester Airport station is the latest example and will contribute to an improved rail service to the airport.
“When the wider investment of more than £1bn is delivered by 2019, passengers will benefit from a better railway which will provide faster journeys, more space and better reliability for millions of passengers every year.”
Speaking on behalf of First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail and Arriva Trains Wales, a spokesman said: “We are delighted that the works to improve the Airport station have been completed on time and on schedule.”
Wayne Poole, director of passenger services for Manchester Airport, added that not only will the additional platform be beneficial to passengers, but also to the 19,000 employees based on site, which will only grow further as the £800m Airport City project develops.
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