Network Rail has now moved all signalling equipment from the 132-year-old signal box near Philips Park to Manchester’s modern rail operating centre.
The work took place over Britain’s four-day bank holiday weekend as part of a series of wider improvements in central Manchester, including the installation of 29 new signals, 4,000 metres of new track, and 2,800 metres of electric cable.
These upgrades are a key component of Network Rail’s Transpennine Route Upgrade which aims to deliver faster, more reliable services between York, Leeds and Manchester.
“This major 21st century signalling overhaul will unlock more reliable journeys for rail passengers in Manchester, as well as the potential for faster trains in the future. I want to say a big thank you to passengers for using alternative travel methods to travel in and out of Manchester while this essential work took place.”
Work is set to continue over upcoming weekends to upgrade tracks and install overhead lines between Manchester and Stalybridge. Passengers are therefore recommended to check their journey before they travel.
