Network Rail confirm train and station maintenance around Manchester this Christmas and New Year- full details

Railway and station upgrades are set to take place across the festive period this year. Some of these will impact journeys in and around Manchester, as well as if you are heading further afield for celebrations. 

Network Rail has announced that a large part of the upgrade work will be on railway equipment on the approach to the busiest station in the North West- Manchester Piccadilly. This includes railway track and ballast work on the West Coast Mainline, as well as maintenance work on the roof at Piccadilly Station.

The upgrade of the Transpennine Route will also take lace over the festive period. This upgrade  is to provide more frequent, faster and greener services between Manchester, Leeds and York. 

Piling to create a retaining wall to support the railway line at Clayton Vale in Manchester. Also included in the work is the installation of lighting to illuminate the recently-remodelled junction at Stalybridge.

Network Rail has said that much of the planned work will take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This is a period which is usually seen as a shutdown with no services usually running. However, it is recommended you visit National Rail and check any journeys you may have planned over the festive period before you make it. 

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “Hundreds of railway staff will once again be giving up their Christmas dinners to work upgrading the essential infrastructure which keeps passenger and freight trains running throughout the rest of the year.

“This Christmas in the North West the majority of our work won’t be disruptive to people’s travel plans. However with work taking place on other parts of the network we’d always advise people to check National Rail Enquiries to plan in advance, so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”