Network Rail completes major rail upgrade in Manchester as part of Transpennine Route Upgrade

A major rail upgrade in Manchester is now complete after Network Rail improved track and signalling equipment to boost reliability.

Across seven days, between Saturday 25 December 2021 and Monday 3 January 2022, more than 100 railway workers installed four new track components – used to direct trains – completed two sections of new electric wiring – which powers some trains – and upgraded signalling equipment near Manchester Victoria station.

The improvements help to bring a more modern, reliable railway as well as creating the capacity for more trains to run in the future, improving connectivity across the North.

This work is part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade which will bring faster, more reliable services for passengers travelling between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.

Neil Holm, Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail, said: “We’re making real progress in delivering better, more enjoyable rail journeys for those travelling in Manchester. The work we’ve completed over Christmas will allow us to run more and faster trains in the future as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

“We’ll need to continue upgrading the railway in and around Manchester throughout 2022 to complete a package of benefits aimed at improving passenger’s experience. I’d like to thank people for their patience as we continue to deliver a better railway for the north of England.”

Further work to renew track in Manchester is planned every Sunday between 9 January and 6 February, which will mean some changes to services. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check their journey via National Rail Enquiries.

Photo credit: Network Rail