Planned improvement works will take place in 2025 at Salford Central and Salford Crescent rail stations.
Network Rail will carry out the works, which will provide an additional platform at Salford Crescent station, and upgrades at Salford Central.
Salford Crescent
Since the station opened in 1987, customer numbers have increased year-on-year. In 2022/23 the station handled almost 1.2 million entries and exits, making it one of the busiest stations in Greater Manchester.
The station is now at the point where the existing platform can no longer cope with the increasing number of customers using it, so we’re building a new third platform, which will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays across Manchester and the North West.
To carry out the work, Salford Crescent and the railway between Manchester and Bolton will close on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025.
When the line is closed, rail replacement buses will run between Manchester and Bolton. Some train services between Manchester, Wigan and Preston will be diverted via an alternative route.
A section of University Road West will also be closed for around 12 months to allow the team to safely carry out the work. A diversionary route is in place to minimise local disruption and access to properties remains open at all times.
Salford Central
Following on from the upgrades to the platforms, a new roof has been built on the upper level of the Salford Central station building, a canopy extension installed on platform 1 and platform 2’s extension has been substantially widened and a glazed ramp roof installed, to make it more accessible for disabled people, those with heavy luggage and parents or carers with buggies and pushchairs to access the lift.
This is part of a £10m overhaul at the station to boost accessibility and improve the passenger experience for passengers. Work at the station will continue until October 2025, with the station remaining open throughout this time.
Proposed design for upper concourse level, showing the automatic ticket gateline and entrance to the new accessible toilets to the right-hand side.
A new ticket office built on the lower level of the station, is now open.
Wherever possible we have tried to prioritise work being completed during normal working hours, for nearby residents, however there will be occasions where some work will have to take place overnight and during the morning, as this is the only time when access can be given at track level.
Road closures
University Road West
A section of University Road West, near Salford Crescent station, will be closed during the project to allow the team to safely carry out the work.
This closure will be in place until the end of 2025.
There will be a diversionary route in place to minimise local disruption and access to properties will be open at all times.