Work has officially begun on a £4.3 million project to make Swinton railway station fully accessible for the first time, marking another major step in Greater Manchester’s wider programme to improve rail accessibility across the region.
For many years, the station’s staircase-only access has presented significant challenges for passengers with mobility impairments, older people, parents with pushchairs and those carrying heavy luggage. Now, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), working alongside Network Rail and Northern, is delivering a comprehensive package of improvements designed to remove those barriers and modernise the station.
The project forms part of Greater Manchester’s £100 million accessibility programme, which aims to accelerate the delivery of step-free access across the region’s rail network.
The upgrade at Swinton will include:
- A new passenger lift providing step-free access to both platforms
- A refurbished and fully accessible ticket office
- A new accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities
- Enhanced lighting and CCTV to improve safety and security
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Greater Manchester’s old Victorian railway stations may be full of character, but the reality is they often act as a barrier to people catching the train.
“It’s not right that people need to travel miles to a different station or find another way to get around, just because they can’t get up the station stairs. So, we’re doing something about it.
“Swinton is one of four stations we’re now on with making step-free. By next spring, everyone will be able to get on the train there, with a new lift to the platforms, toilets and baby-changing facilities, and a lighter, brighter station.
“It’s part of my promise to the people of Greater Manchester to make our railways safer and more accessible for everyone as we bring them into the Bee Network.”
Importantly, Swinton station will remain open throughout the construction period, with train services continuing to operate as normal. The works are expected to be completed by spring 2027.
While the station remains operational, the existing ticket office will close temporarily until November 2026 to enable refurbishment works. Passengers will still be able to purchase tickets from station ticket machines, online and from on-train staff.
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said:
“In Salford we have campaigned long and hard for step-free access to make the rail network fully accessible for all our community.
"This is fantastic news for Swinton and for Salford residents who rely on our rail network every day. For too long, the lack of step-free access at the station has made travelling by train difficult or impossible for some people. This includes disabled passengers, older residents, parents with young children and those carrying heavy luggage.
“It is fantastic news that the investment is confirmed and these vital works are finally starting. It will make such a difference for our local residents.”
“Well done to all who have made this possible and let us continue to work together to create a transport network that is fully accessible to everyone.”
The Swinton scheme follows the successful completion of step-free access projects at Daisy Hill and Irlam stations. Work is currently underway at Bryn, Hindley and Reddish North, while further projects are scheduled for Levenshulme, Flowery Field and Newton for Hyde from spring 2027. Additional upgrades at Bredbury, Woodsmoor and Davenport are planned for 2028.
These improvements support Greater Manchester’s ambition to integrate eight commuter rail lines into the Bee Network by 2028, creating a more accessible and connected public transport system for passengers across the city region.
Kerry Peters, Director of Stations for Northern, said:
“Making our stations accessible to everyone is a priority for Northern, so it's great to see work getting underway at Swinton.
“Step-free access transforms what a station can offer passengers, opening up rail travel to people who have previously found the stairs a barrier, whether that's wheelchair users, parents with buggies, or older passengers.
“We'll continue to work closely with TfGM and Network Rail throughout the project to keep disruption to a minimum, and we'd like to thank passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place."
Image credits: TfGM
