Rail users warned to expect disruption due to work

RAIL users heading into Manchester Victoria, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations over the Easter weekend and the following weeks are warned to expect disruption due to engineering work linking Manchester's main train stations.

And road users won't escape either - from today to May 1, drivers and bus passengers could face longer journeys and diversions as a number of city centre roads will also be affected.

Network Rail is connecting Manchester's Victoria and Piccadilly stations with a new rail link - the Ordsall Chord - and it needs to carry out engineering work.

This includes removing and replacing the bridge at Water Lane, strengthening the Castlefield viaduct, laying new track and realigning existing track, and adding overhead line equipment and signals.

Nearby roads - Chapel Street, Yorkshire Street, Johnson Street, Browncross Street and Quay Street - will be affected by local diversions between April 7 and 28. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has created a special travel information page to help keep people in Greater Manchester moving while the work is taking place: https://beta.tfgm.com/travel-updates/ordsall-chord

John Fryer, TfGM's demand management and safer travel manager, said: "If you are using train services which run to or through Manchester Victoria, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations, or travelling in the surrounding areas, you could be affected by Ordsall Chord engineering work.

"To help minimise disruption and ensure a smoother journey our advice is to plan ahead, be prepared, and think about all your travel choices.

"We strongly advise that people check the National Rail and Network Rail website for regular service updates and information."

For more information visit www.tfgm.com or call 0161 244 1000 (Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays).