Accessible ticket barriers to be installed at Rochdale railway station

Improvements to Rochdale station are taking place ahead of major railway upgrades

Improvements to Rochdale station are taking place ahead of major railway upgrades in central Manchester this summer.

A Great North Rail Project has seen Network Rail strengthen the station subway’s steel and concrete ceiling which holds the track and platforms above.

The underpass below has also been repainted to welcome passengers travelling between York, Leeds and Manchester.

In the coming weeks accessible ticket barriers will be installed for wheelchair users, families with prams or people with heavy luggage.

This is ahead of closures between Stalybridge and Manchester Victoria, and Rochdale and Manchester Victoria, from 31 July to 15 August, as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) when railway bridges will be replaced and track upgraded.
 

Read more: Major railway improvement works will see line from Rochdale to Victoria closed from 31 JulyPublished: 13 July 2021

Karen Hornby, head of customer relations and performance for the North West at Network Rail, said: “Our £130,000 subway makeover and ticket barrier improvements are part of the Greater Manchester stations' accessibility plan to provide better and safer travel for passengers using Rochdale station.

“Further improvements on the Calder Valley line are planned as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) with a major milestone taking place later this summer to upgrade track and railway bridges in central Manchester. Passengers looking to travel between 31 July and 15 August are being urged to plan ahead.”

Councillor Mark Aldred, chair of the Greater Manchester Transport Committee, said: “The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a really exciting project that will transform the customer experience for train users across Greater Manchester and throughout the north of England.

“From better and more reliable journeys to upgraded stations; whether you catch the train all the time or every now and again, there is a lot to look forward to.

“We know accessibility is a significant barrier at many of our local stations, so we particularly welcome the investment being made at Rochdale and hope it helps open up public transport – especially local rail services – for even more people to enjoy.”

Passengers are being urged to plan their journeys in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk.