Station could close for upgrades from 2029-2031, causing travel disruptions. Council seeks ways to lessen the impact.
Network Rail wants to fix Manchester Oxford Road station. They want bigger platforms and better access.
The council likes the plan, but they want to handle the side effects carefully. Council leader Bev Craig wants to avoid long delays.
Trains will pass through but won’t stop there during the work, which is set for 2029 to 2031.
Nearby train stations will get more crowded. Network Rail says it will improve service reliability later; councillors have wanted this investment for a while.
Craig worries about construction problems and the station closure’s impact. It could be bad when other stations have issues too.
Network Rail stated they will work with local groups to manage the increased crowds. The council has concerns about Oxford Road as it’s a busy bus route.
Construction traffic needs careful management, and the council will point out the impact sensitivity. They know some traffic problems are unavoidable.
The council is also concerned about air quality and worries about night work effects. Businesses and residents could be affected.
The first consultation ends February 28. Network Rail wants plans ready by spring 2026.