Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has recommended that people plan their journeys ahead of a bumper Saturday of events in Manchester during a nine-day closure of Piccadilly train station. Network Rail is currently undertaking major track and signalling upgrades, with very few train services running until Sunday 22 February while the £7.9m works are completed.
Events at Manchester’s Etihad Campus this weekend
However, the closure of Manchester Piccadilly coincides with a packed programme of sports and music events at Manchester’s Etihad Campus on Saturday 21st February. This includes Manchester City taking on Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium (8pm kick-off), James Arthur performing at neighbouring Co-op Live (doors open 6.30pm) and the British National Track Championships at the National Cycling Centre (sessions at 10am and 5pm).
Alternative travel options to Etihad Campus whilst Manchester Piccadilly is closed
For those who usually travel by train to Manchester Piccadilly as part of their journey to the Etihad Campus, there are a range of alternative options, including rail replacement buses, Bee Network buses and trams. Rail ticket acceptance will be in place on several bus and tram services. There is also a cycling and walking route from the city centre to the campus.
During the works, most long-distance rail services from destinations including London, Birmingham and Sheffield will terminate at Stockport. There will be no rail services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, Stockport, Rose Hill Marple (via Bredbury), or Guide Bridge.
Full details for those travelling from or via Stockport, East Didsbury, Altrincham, Rose Hill Marple/Guide Bridge and Manchester Airport can be found on the dedicated Getting to the Etihad Campus during rail renewal works webpage on the Bee Network website.
The webpage also includes advice for those travelling from North Wales, Chester, Liverpool, Warrington Central, Preston and Bolton. These rail services will mostly terminate at Manchester Oxford Road, with only three trains per hour (from Blackpool North and Liverpool) terminating at Manchester Piccadilly.
Travel options for onward journeys to the Etihad Campus include the Free Bus from Stop E on Whitworth Street West and direct trams on the Ashton line from Deansgate-Castlefield or St Peter’s Square.
The work at Manchester Piccadilly is being carried out during the half-term break for most schools in England. Further information around train journeys into Greater Manchester during this closure can be found on the Network Rail website.