A MASSIVE UK train station is set to shut for 9 days for a “once-in-a-lifetime overhaul”.
Network Rail are investing £8million in the upgrade in order to reduce future disruptions on train services.
Manchester Piccadilly train station is set to receive track and signalling upgrades in February next year.
The southern approach to station was built in the 1980s and upgrades to its critical stretch of track has been due for some time.
Network Rail explained that issues with its outdated infrastructure can disrupt all trains running in and out of Manchester.
This amounts to around 400,000 trains into the station every year.
In a prior warning to passengers, they have advised that no trains from the south and east of the city will run into Manchester Piccadilly.
This will last for nine days over February half term (Saturday 14 – Sunday 22).
Some trains from across the north will also be impacted as well as direct connections to Manchester Airport station.
Services normally running to and from Manchester Piccadilly will terminate at other stations, including Stockport.
Platforms 1-12 will be closed but the concourse will remain open to the public.
There will be a limited service westbound from platforms 13 and 14.
More detailed information about alternate travel plans are to follow in due course.
Julien Dehornoy, Network Rail’s North West & Central deputy regional managing director, said: “We’re investing £7.9m in renewing the Piccadilly corridor, a stretch of track critical to the journeys of around 400,000 trains into Manchester every year.
“This work is going to significantly reduce disruption for the many passengers who regularly use this route.
“Once the job is done, we will have a better, more reliable railway.
“The major overhaul over six railway lines can only take place during a full railway closure and we are working closely with train operators, TfGM and Manchester City Council on alternative travel plans to keep people on the move.
“The full details on which will be published in mid-November.”
