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Manchester Airport station set to close for three weeks

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The train station at Manchester Airport will close for three weeks in the new year as work to complete the new fourth platform is carried out.

Travellers will face disruption and need to find alternative ways to reach the airport in January as Network Rail begins to install the new track and signalling.

The upgrade, which is part of the ^1bn+ investment in the railway, will allow extra services to call at the airport and provide passengers with better access from across the north of England.

The majority of the work was carried out during construction of the Metrolink platform, but in order to compete the work ^ which also includes finishing platform improvements with new CCTV and information screens ^ only two platforms will be in use between Sunday 11th and Saturday 17th January. The station will then be closed to all trains until Monday 9th February.

Information on replacement buses will be made available nearer the time.

Ian Joslin, area director for Network Rail, said: "Much of the work to upgrade Manchester Airport station has been completed while trains continue to run but there is no other alternative but to close the station while we install the new track and complete the new fourth platform. While there is never a good time to close the railway we have worked closely with the airport, Metrolink and train operators to complete this work at a time which will impact the fewest numbers of passengers and I apologise for any short-term inconvenience while we deliver these long-term benefits."

Wayne Poole, director of passenger services for Manchester Airport, said: "We'll be working with the variety of partners that are involved in the fourth platform works to minimise disruption during the station closures. The station is a vital entry point for passengers and staff who are looking to access Manchester Airport but the addition of the fourth platform is significant and will provide one of the best connected rail stations in the north of England. We continue to work with transport providers to look at ways to further enhance access to the airport."

Speaking on behalf or First Trans-Pennine Express, Northern Rail and Arriva Trains Wales, a spokesman said: "The investment in and development of Manchester Airport rail station presents a real opportunity for the future of rail in the north. The upcoming improvement works are an essential element of the ^1bn investment that is taking place throughout the north of England and as operators we welcome the development. The additional platform at the airport and the introduction of Metrolink services will provide for greater capacity and improved reliability for customers.

"Of course this work requires a temporary closure of rail services in and out of the airport but we will be providing customers with detailed information about why this is happening and how they might complete their journeys. A comprehensive and appropriate coach replacement service is being delivered by train operators which should minimise any potential disruption to customers' travel plans."

Transport for Greater Manchester's Metrolink director, Peter Cushing, said: "With the opening of the new airport line in November, the new heavy rail fourth platform will represent an excellent example of heavy and light rail integration at one of the best road and rail connected airports in the country. We are grateful to both Metrolink and rail passengers for their patience while this, ultimately, beneficial work is carried out."

The trams will be running by then....

The first passenger service on Manchester Metrolink^s latest extension departed from Manchester Airport at 05.49 on November 3, more than a year ahead of schedule.

The 14^5 km Airport Line with 15 stops leaves the existing East Didsbury branch at St Werburgh^s Road and uses a mix of segregated alignment and street running to reach the airport, where interchange is provided with main line services, via Wythenshawe. Services between the airport and Cornbrook run every 12 min, with an end-to-end journey time of 45 min.