Kier, a leading UK infrastructure and construction group, has been awarded a £54m contract by Network Rail to deliver the remodelling of Manchester Airport railway station, a major interchange connecting passengers from across the North of England to destinations worldwide.
Part of the wider £115m investment in the station, the upgrade will see platforms one to three extended to accommodate two, six carriage trains per platform. This increase in capacity will support more reliable services and improve the overall experience for the millions of passengers who use the station each year.
To enable the platform extensions, Kier will deliver complex infrastructure works within the station approach and surrounding operational land, including new retaining walls, updated track and overhead power equipment, a reconstructed overbridge, and upgraded signalling systems.
Key elements of the upgrade include:
Reshaping sections of the surrounding land, including embankment and cutting adjustments and installation of new retaining structures to create space for the expanded layout
Upgrading a key bridge and associated structures to support the remodelled station environment
Improving access routes and utilities, including establishing construction and logistics areas and diverting utilities to maintain station and airport operations throughout delivery
Modernising rail systems, including track alterations, enhanced overhead lines, signalling upgrades and improvements to power, lighting and telecoms
Final testing, commissioning and integration of new systems
The scheme will be delivered using Kier’s end to end capability, with its in-house design team leading the planning of service diversions, highway access and temporary works. QuikSTATS, the company’s underground utility mapping service, will also be used to provide buried-service information ahead of design work starting.
This contract win forms part of a wider programme of rail enhancements Kier is delivering across Greater Manchester, including the new platform at Salford Crescent, Oldfield Road sidings and Brewery Turnback, as well as Access for All upgrades at Levenshulme, Flowery Field, Newton for Hyde, Davenport, Woodsmoor and Bredbury stations.
Mandy Duncan, managing director for Rail and Aviation at Kier Infrastructure said:
We’re thrilled to have been chosen to deliver this vital upgrade, which will enhance direct rail access to one of the UK’s busiest airports. These changes mean the station will be able to handle more capacity, with more trains able to fit on the majority of platforms, ensuring it is ready for future demand and growth, as well as supporting more reliable services for rail passengers.
Kier will work in close partnership with Network Rail, Manchester Airport Group, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester, TransPennine Express and Northern, to keep disruption to passengers to a minimum.