Vikki Moran
Updated on: October 8, 2024 12:21 pm GMT
Passengers at Manchester Piccadilly Are Experiencing Severe Delays Due to Trespassers
Delays Expected to Continue Until 5 PM As Emergency Services Respond
Passengers traveling to, from, and through Manchester Piccadilly station are facing significant disruptions this afternoon following an incident involving trespassers on the tracks. Transport officials report that delays are expected to extend up to 60 minutes and could affect all routes, with chaos anticipated to persist until 5 PM on Saturday, September 7.
According to statements from Northern Rail, emergency services have been notified and are expected to arrive at the scene shortly to address the situation. The affected operators include Avanti West Coast, Northern, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and Transport for Wales.
Train services in and out of Piccadilly station are experiencing considerable delays and some cancellations, including the 16:35 service to London Euston. National Rail has urged commuters to check for updates and revised schedules.
In addition to the trespass incident, which has caused extensive delays, passengers may be impacted further by ongoing construction work at the station. Engineers are currently installing safety netting as part of the roof upgrade.
Platform Closures for Scheduled Maintenance Work
As part of the roof improvement project, several platforms at Manchester Piccadilly will be temporarily closed to the public. This phase of the work is scheduled between September 7 and September 29, 2024, affecting platforms 5 and 6. This project began in June and aims to enhance passenger safety and aesthetics while minimizing disruption.
Rebecca Rathore, the North West Route Strategy Director for Network Rail, confirmed that the work is phased to ensure minimal impact. “While some platforms will be closed as we install new netting, the majority of the station will be unaffected,” she said. Passengers are advised to check the National Rail website for updates prior to travel.
In conjunction with the platform closures, additional maintenance work is being carried out, including repainting platform edges and performing track maintenance. These improvements aim to enhance passenger experience and safety.
Advice for Passengers Affected by Delays
Travelers experiencing delays are provided with specific guidance depending on their train operators. Details include:
- Northern: All ticket restrictions have been lifted for this disruption. Passengers can use their tickets for alternate Northern services, Metrolink, and TransPennine Express routes without additional costs.
- TransPennine Express: Ticket holders can use their tickets on Metrolink between Manchester Airport and other Manchester stations, as well as on Northern services via any reasonable route.
- CrossCountry: CrossCountry passengers may use their tickets on Northern services via any reasonable route.
- Avanti West Coast: Avanti West Coast travelers can board alternate TransPennine Express services without extra charges.
- Transport for Wales: Passengers may use their tickets on Northern services via any reasonable route during this disruption.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor their train status by visiting the various train operators’ websites or the National Rail website for the latest travel advice.
Ongoing Communication from Transport Authorities
Transport authorities and train operators will keep passengers informed as the situation develops. Avanti West Coast’s station manager at Manchester Piccadilly urged travelers to check the National Rail or Avanti West Coast websites prior to embarking on journeys due to expected adjustments in the timetable and platform allocations.
Recent incidents like this highlight the challenges faced by transport providers and passengers alike in maintaining safe and efficient rail services. As the spotlight remains on the system’s reliability, ongoing infrastructure improvements continue to be essential for accommodating the increasing volume of passengers utilizing the railway network across the United Kingdom.
As work on the station continues, travel restrictions and enhancements are focused on ensuring a safer environment for all who rely on this vital transportation hub. Commuters are reminded of the importance of checking updates regularly during these operational changes.
If you have any questions, passengers can call the Network Rail national helpline at 03457 11 41 41. For media questions, you can also reach out to the press office in the North West and Central Region.
