3D visualisation of the new investment from the view of the current platform - Network Rail

Salford residents are reminded that rail closures are expected throughout spring at Salford Crescent and Salford Central stations. 

The closures at Salford Crescent will take place across weekends in March, April, May and September.

The weekend closures will follow Network Rail’s decision to invest  £21m to build an additional, third platform at Salford Crescent station.

The new, extra platform will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays by allowing more flexibility and capacity for trains travelling through central Manchester and across the country.

Salford Crescent station is on the busy Manchester to Preston and Wigan lines, almost 1.2 million entries and exits throughout 2023 and 2024.

The platform will give signallers more options to ease congestion through the station and the busy central Manchester rail network.

The several weekend closures in 2025 will mean that no trains will run through Salford for all weekends in March, and some weekends in April, May and September.

Ahead of the closures Kaseya Chisala, 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.

“Closing the railway in Salford over some weekends this year is an essential part of how we can safely and efficiently deliver this upgrade.”

Kaseya continued: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our passengers. We’re grateful for your patience and understanding.

“Please check the National Rail Enquiries website to plan your journey.”

The dates include for Salford Crescent include –

  • Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 April
  • Sunday 20 April
  • Sunday 17 April
  • Sunday 4 May
  • Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 May
  • Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 September

Passengers are advised to check before they travel to find out how their specific journey will be affected.

Additionally, passengers for Salford Crescent will be able to use their rail tickets on Bee Network buses across the city to link to the station.

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “All investment in rail infrastructure is to be welcomed and this work will have long term benefits for our customers across not only Greater Manchester but the wider North West.

“Rest assured, we are putting plans in place to ensure people can still get where they want to be during the improvement works.”

Salford residents are also reminded that imrpovements are set to be made to Salford Central, which have been ongoing since February 10.

Network Rail is working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on a £10m project to deliver important accessibility upgrades and improvements to the station building.

The station will include a new customer ticket office, information points and accessible toilets.

There will also be signage for passengers to join up with the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated public transport system.

While this work is carried out, Salford Central station is closed to passengers until 21 April 2025.

Ahead of the improvements Simon Elliott, head of rail at TfGM, said: “Greater Manchester is committed to improving transport infrastructure and our rail stations to deliver a truly integrated and sustainable transport network fit for the future.

“The investment at both Salford Crescent and Salford Central will not only improve the passenger experience but help deliver a more reliable and connected railway that works for everyone.”

For Salford residents looking to travel, they can find more information here. 

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