Manchester Oxford Road station is facing potential closure for two years as part of a planned overhaul, Network Rail has announced.
Proposals include an increase in length of platforms, building a new footbridge and adding lifts to improve accessibility. It also includes improvements to the tracks and signalling to prevent bottlenecks, currently caused by trains having to wait at nearby Deansgate Station until they are free to pass through to Oxford Road.
Further plans involve step-free access and wider platforms. Network Rail says these efforts will bring benefits to the reliability of trains across the region and will increase the number of trains able to pass through the station.
This comes after it was revealed that the layout of the five platforms at the Grade II listed station building limits the lengths of trains able to use Oxford Road.
A consultation regarding the station was launched on Monday 20 January as part of the Manchester Oxford Road Station Remodelling Scheme and the aim is to give everyone the opportunity to review outline proposals and provide their views so they can be taken into account and inform the project.
The first round of consultation will run from 20 January to 28 February. During this period, a virtual consultation room and feedback form will be available to access through the official Network Rail website.
There will also be drop-in events to review the plans at Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS on Saturday 1 February 11am-4pm and Monday 17 February 2pm-7pm. Residents are encouraged to submit their views on all elements, including design, construction and impact on the community.
Network Rail hopes to submit finalised plans for the revamp by Spring 2026.
Pete Winters, senior project lead for Network Rail, said: “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.”
Feature image via Geograph: © Copyright Christopher Hilton and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
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