Manchester Oxford Road upgrade could close station for two

Manchester Oxford Road could be closed for two years while Network Rail undertakes a major improvement project at the station. A consultation was launched by NR on 20 January as part of the Manchester Oxford Road Station Remodelling Scheme and this will consider upgrades including longer platforms, track and signalling improvements and construction of a new station footbridge with lifts serving all platforms. Network Rail said it estimates that the construction work will force the station to be closed for that length of time although that is subject to change.

Trains will be able to run through the site still. Nearby stations are expected to be busier during the period. Outline proposals being brought forward by Network Rail include reconfiguring the platform layout, leaving three platforms capable of accommodating longer trains.

The two, longer through-platforms will be able to take eight-car trains, while a new turn-back platform will accommodate six-car trains; an increase in capacity of two cars per platform. The aim of the public consultation is to give everyone the opportunity to review outline proposals and provide their views so that they can be taken into account and inform further design. Proposed track layout and signalling improvements will reduce congestion by removing conflicting train movements.

These will also allow an increase in the number of trains using the station from 12 per hour to 14. Overhead line equipment will also be upgraded, as well as over 900-metres of new track being laid. The remodelling scheme also includes improvements to accessibility throughout the station, featuring a new footbridge with increased movement space for passengers and new lifts allowing step free access to all platforms.

Wider, resurfaced platforms and improvements to existing lifts are also planned. Network Rail said the design of the footbridge, staircase and canopies will take into consideration the surrounding area including buildings of historic value, such as the Grade II listed station building and platform canopies at Manchester Oxford Road Station itself, as well as other buildings Whitworth Street and Oxford Road. Feedback is being invited on all scheme elements, such as design, construction and the impacts of the scheme on the rail network, environment and community.

The first round of consultation on Manchester Oxford Road Remodelling scheme will run from 20 January to 28 February.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said: 'We have said for a long time that Oxford Road Station is in need of a range of improvements from easing the congestion, increasing capacity, improving reliability and ensuring that the station is accessible for all commuters. 'This consultation will be a positive step in achieving those goals and ensuring that the needs of the tens of thousands of people who travel through Oxford Road on a daily basis are being met. 'Any future development will be a long-term project but infrastructure upgrades like these are essential if we are to continue growing Manchester as the leading city of the North.'

A second round of consultation is due to take place before the end of 2025, which will focus on environmental and construction information.

Once both consultations have been considered, Network Rail will submit the applications needed to build the scheme in 2026.