Replacement bus services as Manchester rail upgrades continue for the Transpennine Route Upgrade

Buses will replace Northern trains between Manchester Victoria, Rochdale and Moston

Major railway upgrades between Manchester and Stalybridge will continue over the next few months as part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade – meaning several days of replacement bus services between Rochdale and Manchester Victoria.

Network Rail will install new trackside columns – which will eventually carry train-powering electric wires – renew one mile of track and upgrade the signalling equipment over the next few months.

This is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will bring faster, more frequent trains between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.

Sections of the railway will need to be closed to carry out the work safely.

Buses and diversions will be in place to keep passengers moving throughout weekends in February, March, April and May – with more work planned for later in the year.

Buses will replace Northern trains between Manchester Victoria, Rochdale and Moston, as well as a direct bus service between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge, on:

• Sunday 13 March
• Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 April
• Saturday 30 April, Sunday 1 & Monday 2 May
• Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 May
• Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 May
• Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 May
• Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 May

Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “These major upgrades will bring us another step closer to delivering a fully electrified, more modern railway for the future. This work is part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade which will bring passengers more frequent, faster, greener trains.

“We’ve worked closely with our train operating colleagues to make sure passengers can still travel to wherever they’re headed, and I’d advise anyone wishing to travel to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey.”

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: “We are sorry for any disruption during the improvements and our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to minimise the impact of the work and deliver alternatives that keep people on the move.

"I would like to thank our customers in advance for their patience while his vital work is carried out."

Passengers should plan ahead with National Rail Enquiries or their train operator.