Work begins on platform extension for Gatley station

Network Rail has begun work to extend the platforms at Gatley railway station as part of work to enable larger trains to serve the route from Manchester Piccadilly to the airport.

The first stage of work began on Sunday 8th January and the Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport line the line was closed to passengers to enable work to be carried at at Gatley station, as well as Mauldeth Road and East Didsbury stations in Manchester. The route will close again on six Sundays throughout January and February, with a replacement bus service operating on these days:

• January 15th and 22nd
• February 12th, 19th and 26th

Network Rail is investing £8.5 million to lengthen Mauldeth Road, East Didsbury and Gatley stations to make way for longer trains, providing more seats in future for passengers travelling along the route connecting neighbourhoods in South Manchester with the airport and city centre.

Simon Daly, sponsor at Network Rail, said:

“The work to extend Mauldeth Road, East Didsbury and Gatley stations, and Northern’s planned roll out of longer trains in the future, is crucial to increasing capacity on services across the North West of England.

“This work means that longer trains can transport more passengers from across the North West to Manchester Airport.”

Chris Jackson, regional director for Northern, said: 

“We look forward to the commencement of these works and, upon completion, the improvement they will bring to the customer experience on services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport. It is always important to invest in rail infrastructure to ensure we can keep the region moving, getting people from where they are to where they want to be.”

Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director for TransPennine Express, said: 

“The improvements taking place at Mauldeth Road, East Didsbury and Gatley stations are welcome news, allowing for more customers to travel on this busy route.

“However, until the platform lengthening work is completed, there will be significant disruption for those customers using our services. A rail replacement bus service will be in place and we strongly advise customers planning to travel on these services to plan ahead and allow extra time, as journeys may take longer than usual.”