Network Rail has revealed plans to build a third platform at Salford Crescent station.
The new, extra platform will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays by allowing more flexibility for trains travelling through central Manchester and across the country.
Salford Crescent station is on the busy Manchester to Preston line, with services calling from across the North West into Manchester and Manchester Airport.
In 2022/23 the station handled almost 1.2 million entries and exits making it one of the busiest stations in Greater Manchester.
The platform will give signallers more options to ease “traffic jams” through the station and through the busy central Manchester rail network.
To carry out the work, Salford Crescent station will close for several weekends between March and September 2025. The work will be completed in early 2026.
Ben Porter, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The new third platform at Salford Crescent station will mean signallers can better organise how trains move through the area. Because of this work, passengers will have smoother, more reliable journeys both through Salford and across the North West.
“To carry out this upgrade, we need to close Salford Crescent station for some weekends in 2025. We’re working with Northern and Transport for Greater Manchester to make sure passengers will know what their journey options are.
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause for some passengers. We’re grateful for your patience while the upgrade takes place.”
Network Rail has released 3D visualisations of the station with the new platform to show passengers what Salford Crescent will look like once the work is complete.
Alongside this project, Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail are investing £10m in Salford Central station.
The work involves new customer information points and wayfinding to join up with the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated public transport system.
Salford Central station will be closed from Monday 10 February to Monday 21 April 2025. Trains will still pass through the station.
Simon Elliott, Head of Rail at TfGM, said: “As part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) ongoing commitment to enhancing the transport infrastructure across Greater Manchester, we welcome the significant improvement and investment planned with Network Rail’s work at Salford Crescent and TfGM’s at Salford Central.
“This investment in Salford will not only improve the passenger experience but also contribute to a more reliable and connected network for everyone. Together, these upgrades are a vital part of our wider ambition to improve our integrated and sustainable transport system for the future.”
Train operator, Northern, is working with Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester to keep passengers informed during the work.
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, said: “We welcome this investment and the long-term benefits it will bring to our customers using Salford Crescent and Salford Central stations.
“We will work with Network Rail and TfGM to ensure customers are still able to get where they want to be during the improvement works and we thank them in advance for their patience.”
Salford City Council and the University of Salford are working with the rail industry on both projects.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This is much needed investment in our local transport network, and something we have worked closely with partners in the city to secure.
“Salford City Council is committed to creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all and access to quality public transport is a key component to achieving this of our vision for the city.
“There has long been a need to improve these two key stations and so it is great to see this planned work now confirmed. These works will ultimately benefit everyone and I’m sure rail users will look forward to the positive impact these improvements will make to their journeys.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, Professor Nic Beech said: “It’s great to see the investment being made in improving the rail infrastructure in Salford. The work will support our wider ambitions of delivering economic growth and transformation in our region, and make the day-to-day journeys of commuters, including our staff and students, more reliable and enjoyable.”
