Major station on routes to and from Liverpool to close for years
Plans to upgrade one of the North West's major train stations would mean it would be closed for more than two years. Manchester Oxford Road, which is a stop on many train services between Liverpool and Manchester, could see upgrades including longer platforms, track and signalling improvements, as well as construction of a new station footbridge with lifts serving all platforms.
Outline proposals being brought forward by Network Rail include reconfiguring the platform layout, leaving a total of three platforms each capable of accommodating longer trains. The two, longer through-platforms will be able to take eight car trains, while a new turn-back platform will accommodate six car trains; an increase in capacity of two cars per platform.
A public consultation, launched today, will give rail users the chance to review outline proposals and provide their views so that they can be taken into account and inform further design. Network Rail said proposed track layout and signalling improvements will reduce congestion by removing conflicting train movements. Overhead line equipment will also be upgraded, as well as over 900m of new track being laid.
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The remodelling scheme includes improvements to accessibility throughout the station, featuring a new footbridge with increased movement space for passengers and new lifts allowing step free access to all platforms. Wider, resurfaced platforms and improvements to existing lifts are also planned.
Network Rail said that increasing the length of the platforms will mean an extra 120 seats will be available on services calling at the station and improvements to the track and signalling will increase flexibility, and so improving reliability across the regional network, supporting an increase from 12 to 14 trains per hour.
It adds that improvements to the station’s platforms and footbridge will create a more accessible and inviting environment for passengers, while longer platforms will enable interfacing schemes, such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade, to deliver their full benefits including longer trains running on the wider network.
Network Rail currently estimates construction will close the station for just over two years, although this is subject to change. This will not prevent trains running through the station. While the station is closed, neighbouring stations will be busier than usual.
Pete Winters, senior project lead for Network Rail, said: "The Manchester Oxford Road Remodelling Scheme consultation is an opportunity for the public to hear about our exciting plans for the station, which include platform, track and signalling upgrades, alongside improvements to station accessibility. We want to bring all station users, as well as the local community with us on the journey of improving this important station. I urge the local community and station users to let us know their thoughts so that they can be taken into account as the designs progress."
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern in the North West, said: “We’re really excited about the redevelopment of Manchester Oxford Road station and the enhanced experience this will provide our colleagues and customers. It’s an iconic station and one of the main gateways to the city and so I would encourage local residents and rail users to get involved and voice their opinion on the plans.”
The first round of consultation on Manchester Oxford Road Remodelling scheme will run from 20 January to 28 February 2025. During this period, a virtual consultation room and feedback form will be available here.
There will also be drop-in events to view the plans and speak with Network Rail's team:
Event one: Saturday 1 February 2025, 11am to 4pm
Event two: Monday 17 February 2025, 2pm to 7pm