Station drains work will cause road diversions

DIVERSIONS for motorists and pedestrians are set to be put in place outside Manchester Victoria as work starts to replace the railway station’s Victorian drainage system.

Network Rail said the £1m project would last until October.

Work starts today and will bring the drainage systems around the 166-year old station ‘into the 21st century,’ they said.

As a result, a ‘half road closure’ will be in place on Victoria Station Approach for a nine-week period.

Diversions for pedestrians and motorists are expected, but train services from Victoria will not be affected.

Network Rail said the ‘critical’ work was designed to prevent flooding around the station.

Drainage systems in the basement of the station will be connected to the River Irk, which runs underneath.

Network Rail said the project would provide a more efficient way of draining the station building.

The drainage system underneath the road in front of the station will be completely replaced, and drainpipes on the historic station facade cleaned and maintained.

The Department for Transport is investing the money.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Bringing Manchester Victoria’s drainage system from the Victorian

era into the 21st century will help give passengers the reliable services they deserve, reducing frustrating disruptions.”

Rory Kingdon, senior sponsor at Network Rail, said: “Carrying out this work now should mean less passengers are affected by any disruption around the station, and we’ll be ready to welcome back travellers to a warm and dry station when it’s safe to do so.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “There will be some disruption in and around the station as the work is completed, but our services will continue to operate, getting those customers who have essential journeys to make where they need to be.”