Network Rail has announced that it will be investing £2.7m to upgrade Manchester Oxford Road station, aiming to allow passengers to travel through the city centre easily. Work on the Manchester station which is served by Northern, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway and Transport for Wales is set to begin next month.
The upgrade will include a redesign of the front of Manchester Oxford Road station in addition to new ticket barriers being installed, including an additional accessible barrier for those with a wheelchair or pram. The ticket office window will also be relocated to the front of the station building.
To minimise disruption, most of the renovation work will be carried out at night during March while the station is closed. During the day, passengers may notice some construction activities, but the station will remain safely open for travel.
Gaynor Quinn, sponsor for Network Rail, said: “I am pleased to announce the upgrades at Manchester Oxford Road station, as part of our commitment to improving passengers’ experience. The new ticket barriers and the relocation of the ticket windows will streamline passenger flow and create a more user-friendly environment for everyone.”
Craig Harrop, regional director at Northern, said: “These improvements are set to make a huge difference for our colleagues and customers using Manchester Oxford Road station. We would like to thank our customers for their patience while this work is carried out and we look forward to the finished result.”
Network Rail is working with the Department for Transport, Manchester City Council and train operators to develop plans aimed at improving the station and the service offered to passengers.