Manchester’s rail network has taken a significant step forward after three major infrastructure projects, worth a combined £90 million, were officially brought into service, paving the way for longer trains, improved reliability and increased capacity across the North West.
Delivered by Kier on behalf of Network Rail, the schemes include two new railway turnbacks either side of Manchester Victoria station and the completion of the new third platform at Salford Crescent station.
The new turnback facilities at Oldfield Road and Brewery Junction have now entered service following extensive testing and commissioning of their associated signalling systems. These sidings allow trains to wait off the main running lines, reducing congestion and helping keep platforms and routes clear for operational services.
With the infrastructure now connected to the railway network, train driver training can begin ahead of the introduction of timetable improvements in May 2027.
The upgrades are expected to deliver particular benefits at Manchester Victoria, where some services currently occupy platforms while out of passenger service for up to 40 minutes. The additional operational flexibility will help free up platform space and improve network efficiency.
The milestone follows the commissioning of a new third platform at Salford Crescent station, which joined the railway network on 12 October. While the platform will initially be used during periods of disruption, it will fully open to passengers when new timetables come into effect on 13 December.
The £21 million Salford Crescent project has also delivered upgraded passenger facilities, including a new lift, staircase and additional ticket gate lines, helping improve accessibility and station capacity.
All three schemes form part of the wider Manchester Rail Upgrade programme, a long-term programme designed to increase capacity, improve reliability and create a more connected railway across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
Dan Robinson, Network Rail principal programme sponsor, said:
“Today marks a significant milestone for these multi-million-pound projects as they are officially connected to the national rail network and train driver training can begin so their benefits can soon be realised for passengers.
“When combined with our future upgrades as part of the Manchester Rail Upgrade between now and the mid-2030s, it will mean more frequent, longer and newer electric trains with more seats serving the North West to encourage more passengers and grow the region’s railway and economy for the next generation.”
Chris Nutton, TransPennine Express major projects and Transpennine Route Upgrade director, said:
“These upgrades are an important step towards delivering a more reliable railway for our customers across the North. The new infrastructure in Manchester will help create the capacity and flexibility needed to support more services in the future.
“Working closely with Network Rail and our industry partners, we're investing in improvements that will make a real difference to customers' journeys, while also supporting wider plans to transform rail travel for generations to come.”
Mandy Duncan, Kier Infrastructure managing director for rail and aviation, said:
“We’re proud of the work delivered by our teams alongside Network Rail at Oldfield Road, Brewery Junction and Salford Crescent, and look forward to seeing the benefits these will bring to passengers as part of the Manchester Rail Upgrade.
“We will now build on this partnership through our work at Manchester Airport station.”
Attention is now turning to the next phase of the Manchester Rail Upgrade programme. Passengers have been advised that Manchester Airport station will close for one day on 6 December 2026 as work accelerates on a major scheme to lengthen platforms and reconfigure the railway layout. The project is expected to continue through to 2028 and will further support future increases in rail capacity across the region.
Image & video credits: Network Rail
