Tuesday 4 Jul 2017
Ashton-under-Lyne station users reminded of three week closure for railway upgrade
- Region & Route:
- | North West & Central
Passengers using Ashton-under-Lyne station are reminded that it will be closed between Saturday 8 and Sunday 31 July while engineering work takes place to provide better journeys between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.
The work is part of the Great North Rail Project which will see over £1bn invested in the railway across the north as part of the national Railway Upgrade Plan.
Network Rail engineers will be working round-the-clock over the three week closure to rebuild the railway bridge over Turner Lane and replace and realign over two miles of track.
Northern services will be replaced by buses between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge. Trains will continue to run between Stalybridge and Manchester Piccadilly.
Nick Brown, Network Rail’s project manager, said: “The railway corridor on which Ashton station sits is currently narrow with many curves which restrict the speed that trains can travel. Replacing the bridge deck and realigning the track will result in smoother and straighter track meaning trains will be able to travel faster which, in the long run, means more frequent services on the route.
“I would like to thank passengers for their patience while we improve the railway in their area.”
Liam Sumpter, regional director for Northern, comments: “Great improvements are coming for our customers in the north west, including those travelling through Ashton-under-Lyne, with quicker journeys, longer trains and more frequent services. Before we can deliver that, essential large scale engineering work has to take place and we thank our customers for their patience while this happens.”
This is part of a wider scheme on the line which will not only enable better journey times between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge, but also allow the increase of services from May 2018.
To find out more information visit www.networkrail.co.uk/Ashton
Notes to Editors
Ashton-under-Lyne station and car park will be closed for the duration of the work. Alternative arrangements have been made for rail users to park at the Union Street car park close to the station.
Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk
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