Third platform at Salford Crescent: project updates

[td97]

Do we know if the Barrow/Windermere services will call at Salford Crescent when the new platform has been commissioned?

Southbound could likely be accommodated with the existing pathing allowance.
Northbound would be more difficult as there is no spare time to facilitate this in the existing schedule between Ordsall Lane and Euxton junctions.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I feel like the easiest first step once the platform is open is to shift the Clitheroe/Blackburn to it, since currently platform 1 sees 3 trains in 10 minutes (ex-Atherton, the Rochdale train, and the Airport train), and both of those latter ones often arrive outside the station a bit early and have to wait for the previous to get out of the way before they can enter (especially when the Blackpool-Airport service with a 331 running on 90mph timings)

 

[Geeves]

I might be wrong but from posts on here the new platform 3 can only be used for southbound services. Also no platform renumbering the platforms will stay as is just with the addition of 3 of course.

 

[Trackman]

The signal at the north end of the new platform is a fixed red and can't be cleared.

It's a shunting signal for P1, so yes it will always be red.

 

[TheGoodDoctor]

Passed by the other day and it looks like SLD is getting some very cool looking ticket barriers with its "Knight Rider" red lights above the gates. The rest of the work appears to be gardening and presentation, at least from the outside.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 11 Apr 2026 ==

I might be wrong but from posts on here the new platform 3 can only be used for southbound services. Also no platform renumbering the platforms will stay as is just with the addition of 3 of course.

From reading the line diagrams in the sectional appendix, it appears to be technically possible for Northbound trains to use platform 3 but I don't get the impression that would be very practical. There are a set of points before Windsor junction for a train from Deansgate to move over but it would block up the dedicated Up Bolton line towards Manchester, crossing both Up and Down lines from Manchester Victoria. From Vic it is also possible to move over to the Up line from the Down. There are points to get it back onto the Down Bolton but are a mile up the road and only rated for 15 mph, so hardly convenient for a through service. Below is an extract of the diagram.



It might be useful for a service terminating at Salford Crescent. Has anyone heard of that being an option?

 

[pokemonsuper9]

From reading the line diagrams in the sectional appendix, it appears to be technically possible for Northbound trains to use platform 3

That image shows that trains can go towards Bolton into P3, but not leave it towards Bolton (see how there is no arrow towards Bolton, only away from it, after the platform)

A train could come from Manchester and turn around and go back, but I don't think that'll be a common move.

 

[td97]

A signalling fault on the P2 line this morning means only the Up & Down Bolton (P1) is available for use. A shame the third platform is still not authorised for passenger use.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Well it is now July 15th 2026 and this project seems to be taking forever.

Still taped/coned off.

 

[Howardh]

Well it is now July 15th 2026 and this project seems to be taking forever.

Still taped/coned off.
View attachment 207756

Who will finish first, Platform 3 or Leeds station?!

I assume trains from Bolton to Victoria will use P3 which should reduce the chances of delays?

The platform looks as uninviting as the other two; which is a shame because it's a connection station and there's nowhere warm to hide from inclement weather - at very least all the platforms need more seating - they are just like 13/14 at Piccadilly but without the waiting areas upstairs. A toilet for all would be handy!

 

[Bullfield WEst]

Nothing is shown to be stopping on P3 before 2027.

 

[GRALISTAIR]

Nothing is shown to be stopping on P3 before 2027.

No wonder governments of all shades don't want to invest too much in railways.

 

[M60lad]

Well surely it can't be that long off opening as University Road West is back open having been fully resurfaced and the site compound gone now.

 

[Bullfield WEst]

Of course, I could be wrong, but my info comes from checking on RTT as far as it has info available. I do travel through Salford Crescent, and it does look to be very much in the final " getting ready" stages and I expect it would normally be a timetable change type of introduction before we see anything. I don't look forward to any last minute platform changes, though, with the stampede over the bridge from P2.

 

[Trackman]

Of course, I could be wrong, but my info comes from checking on RTT as far as it has info available. I do travel through Salford Crescent, and it does look to be very much in the final " getting ready" stages and I expect it would normally be a timetable change type of introduction before we see anything. I don't look forward to any last minute platform changes, though, with the stampede over the bridge from P2.

From what I have read on FB in a reliable group, P3 will be in open after the 13th December timetable change, but is this subject to ORR approval.

 

[Howardh]

From what I have read on an FB in a reliable group, P3 will be in open after the 13th December timetable change, but is this subject to ORR approval.

Will there need to be public "test" events before it's opened officially?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

When Platform 4/2nd Metrolink platform was built at Manchester Airport, was there a similar delay encountered in the Platform 4 operational opening?

 

[Trackman]

When Platform 4/2nd Metrolink platform was built at Manchester Airport, was there a similar delay encountered in the Platform 4 operational opening?

I'm fairly sure it was the ORR and it dragged on for months.

Will there need to be public "test" events before it's opened officially?

I doubt it, they would just have loads of staff on hand.

 

[Howardh]

Passed through today. Noticeable how few seats there are, of course very few on the current platforms. Not seen the upstairs part recently, but last time there were none there either.
Surely pax should have somewhere to sit at such a busy interchange? Why do few benches?

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Passed through today. Noticeable how few seats there are, of course very few on the current platforms. Not seen the upstairs part recently, but last time there were none there either.
Surely pax should have somewhere to sit at such a busy interchange? Why do few benches?

What is the situation with seats on platforms at Salford Central railway station?

 

[CdBrux]

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/our-...s&rcm=ACoAAAYbzDMByKNL6_cIOol3j8aMhobwaHH5Dls

Our rail team has successfully completed construction of the third platform at Salford Crescent station, one of the busiest stations in Greater Manchester

Delivered on behalf of Network Rail North West & Central, the £21m project has also included the delivery of new lifts, steps connecting to the existing footbridge and a canopy.

Once opened to the public, this important project will:

- Help improve passenger flow

- Enhance reliability

- Provide more flexibility when operating trains

Trains are planned to begin making scheduled stops at the new platform by the end of the year, following the December timetable change.

Got to say that I find it poor in the extreme that it seems the new platform will still not get used for another 4 months, surely NR and any others involved must display better agility and oomph than this? I cannot imagine the company I work for letting an asset sit idle for 4 months just because we can improve things, with presumably little knock on effect to planned timetabling outside the fairly immediate vicinity, outside pre-defined windows

 

[pokemonsuper9]

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/our-...s&rcm=ACoAAAYbzDMByKNL6_cIOol3j8aMhobwaHH5Dls



Got to say that I find it poor in the extreme that it seems the new platform will still not get used for another 4 months, surely NR and any others involved must display better agility and oomph than this? I cannot imagine the company I work for letting an asset sit idle for 4 months just because we can improve things, with presumably little knock on effect to planned timetabling outside the fairly immediate vicinity, outside pre-defined windows

There's not much point adjusting things in the short term, might as well keep the cross platform connection until it has to go to enable other benefits.

I think we'll see the first amendments from the May 2027 timetable change, the December timetable change is already in RTT and no platform 3 is showing.

 

[CdBrux]

There's not much point adjusting things in the short term, might as well keep the cross platform connection until it has to go to enable other benefits.

I think we'll see the first amendments from the May 2027 timetable change, the December timetable change is already in RTT and no platform 3 is showing.

I did miss that 'scheduled' stops was mentioned, so presumably 'unscheduled' in times of disruption can start at some point, hopefully sooner vs later else not much point having built the thing!

 

[td97]

Got to say that I find it poor in the extreme that it seems the new platform will still not get used for another 4 months

Note regulator authorisation has not yet been provided.