Passengers at Manchester Piccadilly are being warned of major track and signalling upgrades next February, with a nine-day closure planned on the southern approach to the station. The works, described as a once-in-a-generation project, will see nearly £7.9 million invested to modernise infrastructure dating back to the 1980s.

Network Rail engineers will replace 11 sets of points, renew 9,000 metres of cabling, swap timber sleepers for concrete equivalents, and upgrade lineside equipment across six lines. The project aims to improve reliability for both passenger and freight services while safeguarding the corridor against future disruption.

The scale of the work means that trains from the south and east of Manchester will not run into Piccadilly between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February 2026. Services from the north and direct trains to Manchester Airport will also be affected, with some trains terminating at Stockport instead. While platforms 1–12 will be closed, the station concourse will remain open, and a limited service will continue from platforms 13 and 14. Staff will be available to assist passengers with buses and Metrolink Bee Network connections.

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."

Network Rail is working with train operators, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Manchester City Council to deliver detailed alternative travel arrangements during the closure. The Bee Network will play a key role in maintaining connections across the city region.

Simon Elliott, Network Director Rail at TfGM, said: “This investment in Manchester Piccadilly’s rail infrastructure is a crucial step forward in delivering a reliable and resilient railway for passengers, freight and supporting the city-region’s continued economic growth. While unfortunately there will be some short-term disruption due to the nature of the works, through the Bee Network we’re committed to working with rail industry colleagues to ensure people can still move easily across Greater Manchester while these essential upgrades take place.”

A spokesperson for train operators added: “This work will improve the reliability of trains running into the region’s busiest station. In the coming months, passengers can expect more detailed information about their specific journeys and any potential disruption. We would urge people to check with their operator or with National Rail Enquiries to plan their travel in advance.”

Image: Network Rail