Construction work on Salford Central is underway as the railway station closes for a multi-million pound refurbishment.
Passengers were met with the first signs of renovation on their commute as the trains passed through the station, but did not stop there.
The £7.3m overhaul of the station, which is the largest in the city of Salford, will see platform heights increased and roof canopies, track, and signals upgraded.
Network Rail said the work was necessary as the stepping distance between trains and the platform edge was too far for most trains to accommodate ramps safely.
Raising the platform height will mean ramps can be used for all trains, making the station more accessible for disabled people, those with heavy luggage, and parents or carers with buggies and pushchairs.
The work is part of a wider £1billion regeneration project of the entire Salford Central area, which will see over 800 new homes built, new retail and leisure space opened, added car parking, improved pedestrian and cyclist routes and new public open spaces.
The station regeneration has the mayoral seal of approval.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I’m pleased to see improvements being delivered in Salford, and I hope to see this mirrored across our region’s other railway stations.”
City Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett also applauded the scheme.
“Salford Central is at the heart of our new business district, New Bailey, and needs this investment to make it truly accessible and fit for the 21st century,” he said.
During the refurbishment, Northern Rail has ensured that the rail replacement bus service will be running.
The station on New Bailey Street, near Spinningfields, dates back to 1838. With its impressive cast iron columns, it will no doubt be a sight to behold once the renovations are complete this summer.
