Media centre

Thursday 16 Oct 2025

Salford Crescent’s £21m upgrades for passengers now 75% complete

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Passengers are another step closer to benefiting from the multi-million-pound overhaul of Salford Crescent station to improve journeys from next year. 

Throughout 2025, Network Rail and its contractor partner Kier Construction have been building a third platform with stair and lift access from the ticket hall. 

In recent weeks new platform canopies and staircases have been craned into position during the final full weekend closure of the station between 13 and 14 September. 

The remaining work to complete the project can now be carried out without the need to close the railway. 

When ready early next year, ​the opening of a third platform will improve passenger flow and reduce train delays by allowing more flexibility for trains travelling through central Manchester and across the country. 

That’s because the extra platform will mean railway ​signallers will have more options to ease traffic jams on the busy Manchester to Preston line, which includes stops throughout Greater Manchester and at Manchester Airport. 

The work will be fully completed in Spring 2026 and is now 75% finished. 

James Ashley, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “We’d like to thank passengers travelling through Salford Crescent this year for their patience while we’ve been carrying out these transformational upgrades. 

“We’ve worked very closely with our partners and contractors to keep the disruption to a minimum. It’s great to see the new facilities really taking shape, with the stairs, lift shafts and platform canopies progressing at pace and giving a real sense of what the station will look like when it’s complete next year." 

Jonathan Moran, senior project manager at Kier, said: “We’ve reached several key milestones recently that bring our expected Spring completion date ever closer. Through close collaboration with Network Rail and our dedicated supply chain, we are continuing to make excellent progress, and we thank the local community for their continued patience as we continue to make way for the station’s third platform. 

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for customers by improving connectivity and the overall customer experience for years to come.” 

Alongside this project, Transport for Greater Manchester, in collaboration with Network Rail and Northern Trains, are investing £10m in Salford Central station, to deliver major station improvements which will make journeys easier for everyone. 

The work includes a new ticket office built on the lower level of the station, upgrades to the platforms and signage to join up with the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s vision for an integrated public transport system. 

Simon Elliott, Network Director for Rail at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “It’s a proud moment to see rail improvements in Salford nearing completion, both at Salford Crescent and Salford Central stations. Close collaboration with our partners at Network Rail and Northern Trains has been key to delivering these upgrades, alongside our ongoing commitment to building a transport system that meets the needs of Greater Manchester. 

“These upgrades will bring lasting benefits to the people of Salford, while also improving journeys for those travelling across Greater Manchester and beyond.” 

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council, said: “It is fantastic news that the upgrades are coming along so well. Salford Crescent is well used and certainly deserves this upgrade. 

“When complete it will be much more efficient and passengers will notice the difference so thanks to all involved on behalf of our communities.” 

Mark Wantling, chief infrastructure officer at the University of Salford, said: "Salford Crescent station is a key transport hub at the heart of our Peel Park Campus, so we’re understandably excited that this major upgrade is in its final stages of development. 

“The third platform will support sustainable growth and transform connectivity in the area, making the day-to-day journeys of rail commuters – including many of our staff, students and visitors – easier and more reliable." 

For more information on the improvements to stations in Salford you can visit https://www.networkrail.co.uk/our-work/our-routes/north-west/railway-upgrades-in-salford/.