Rail passengers warned to expect further delays this weekend

Rail delays expected

Travellers in the Greater Manchester area and from Manchester to Yorkshire and the North East are being warned to expect more delays on the rail network this weekend.

On Saturday 16 June and Sunday 17 June Network Rail engineers will be carrying out a project of improvement work between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge.

A replacement bus service will run between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge via Ashton-under-Lyne.

The rail network across the region has been hit by delays and cancellations in recent months due to the introduction of a new timetable by Northern.

The project is part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, the work will help increase lines speeds between Manchester and Stalybridge.

The work at Ashburys will help railway timetable flexibility by providing more access for trains in and out of the train depot at Ardwick.

The track drainage at Ashton is key to prolonging the life of the track and will help improve train performance. Work on signalling and drainage will make journeys more reliable.

Richard Hockney, project manager for Network Rail, London North Western route said: “As part of the Great North Rail Project, this work will help us move towards a more modern railway.

“Not only are we aiming to improve the line speed between Manchester and Stalybridge but a new signal and route will be installed at Ashburys, providing a more reliable service within the area.”

There’s also work taking place at Standedge Aqueduct in Marsden this weekend. This includes dismantling the bridge deck of the Grade II listed aqueduct and installing a temporary structure.

Due to the nature of the work, fewer services are able to run and diversionary routes are in place, as well as some bus replacement services.

Passengers using either route over the weekend are strongly advised to plan their journey, allow additional time and to check before they travel with their train operator or via National Rail.

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