Thousands of commuters face weekend disruption as Network Rail begins a multi-million-pound overhaul of Manchester's Piccadilly Corridor, the vital railway artery serving the North West.
The extensive renewal programme targets worn-out tracks, outdated signalling systems, and overhead line equipment powering electric trains. Engineers will focus on the bottleneck corridor leading to Manchester Piccadilly, one of Britain's busiest stations outside London.
Decades of intensive use have left the infrastructure struggling with high volumes of passenger and freight traffic, contributing to regular delays and disruptions that frustrate daily commuters and business travellers alike.
Most work will take place during weekends and overnight to protect weekday services. However, passengers are advised to check before travelling, particularly at weekends, as service schedules may change during planned engineering works.
The project forms part of Network Rail's broader national infrastructure upgrade programme. The investment aims to deliver fewer unplanned incidents, improved journey times, and a more comfortable experience for passengers travelling through the region.
Network Rail expects the upgrades to create a more resilient railway capable of handling future demand, supporting economic growth whilst connecting communities across the North West.
Source: Network Rail