Home / Business and Economy / Nine-Day Closure: Manchester Piccadilly Gets Major Overhaul
Nine-Day Closure: Manchester Piccadilly Gets Major Overhaul
16 Feb
Summary
- Manchester Piccadilly station closed for nine days for a £7.9 million makeover.
- Six railway lines are being modernized, with some infrastructure untouched since the 1980s.
- Rail replacement buses are operating, and passengers are advised to allow extra travel time.
Manchester Piccadilly, the UK's second-busiest station outside London, has closed for a nine-day, £7.9 million renovation. This 'once in a generation' makeover, which began on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, involves modernizing six railway lines. Some of the track and signalling systems in the vicinity have not been updated since the 1980s.
During this extensive closure, which will continue until February 22nd, 2026, with further limited services on March 1st and March 22nd, 2026, only platforms 13 and 14 remain open for a reduced timetable to specific destinations like Liverpool, Blackpool, and Chester. Services from the south are terminating at Stockport, and services from the east are stopping at Guide Bridge or Stockport.
Network Rail is undertaking the replacement of 11 sets of points and upgrading timber sleepers to concrete equivalents. This investment aims to enhance railway reliability and reduce disruptions for both passengers and freight. To facilitate travel, rail replacement buses are providing services between various locations, including Piccadilly and Stockport, and Manchester Airport and Warrington.
Passengers are urged to travel light, allocate extra time for journeys, and be prepared for potential queues. An alternative travel plan has been developed with transport authorities to ensure passengers can reach their destinations smoothly.
