Passengers travelling across Greater Manchester and into the Peak District are being urged to plan ahead as major railway upgrades worth millions of pounds take place between 8 and 16 August.
The work forms part of Network Rail's summer programme of improvements and will see engineers carrying out significant infrastructure upgrades at Guide Bridge and on the route between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.
Guide Bridge Junction Renewal
On the weekends of 8-9 August and 15-16 August, engineers will replace a key railway junction near Guide Bridge, helping to improve reliability for both passenger and freight services in the future.
As a result, trains will not operate on the Glossop, Hadfield and Rose Hill Marple lines into and out of Manchester Piccadilly during both weekends. Replacement transport arrangements will be in place, and passengers are advised to check before travelling.
Manchester Victoria to Rochdale Closure
The second major project will focus on the installation of a new railway turnback between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.
To facilitate the work, the line will be closed from Monday 10 August until the morning of Saturday 15 August, with rail replacement bus services operating throughout the closure period.
The scheme follows a similar closure last month as part of the same project and is designed to improve operational flexibility and network performance.
Industry Leaders Thank Passengers for Their Patience
Network Rail senior sponsor Lorna Samways said:
“We know there’s never an ideal time to shut the railway, so I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we carry out these essential railway improvements next week.
“Both projects at Guide Bridge and in Manchester are major investments to improve rail journeys for passengers and freight in future. I’d advise passengers planning to travel between 8-16 August to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”
TransPennine Express customer experience and transformation director Andrew McClements added:
"We'd like to thank customers for their patience while these vital improvements are carried out, helping to create a better and more dependable railway for the future.
"While the work is taking place, some journeys will be affected. We encourage customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel, and check before they travel using the TransPennine Express website, app, or National Rail Enquiries.”
The investment forms part of ongoing efforts to improve rail reliability, resilience and capacity across the North, ensuring passengers and freight operators benefit from a more dependable railway network in the years ahead.
Image credits: Network Rail
