Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is encouraging passengers to plan journeys in advance and allow plenty of time for travel during a nine-day closure of Piccadilly Station and a weekend of events in the city.
Network Rail is completing major track and signalling work, as part of a £7.9 million project to upgrade the current infrastructure. A limited number of trains will be running to and from platforms 13 and 14 until Sunday, 22 February.
The service disruption coincides with major events at the Etihad Campus on Saturday, including Manchester City v Newcastle United (8 pm kick-off), a concert by James Arthur at the Co-op Live (doors at 6:30 pm), and the British Track Championships (10 am and 5 pm).
To ensure passengers who would typically use Picadilly as part of their commute, rail replacement buses will run throughout the disruption, along with Bee Network trams, and local bus services.
Transport for Greater Manchester is also offering advice via its website for any passengers whose onward travel may be disrupted.
“Saturday is shaping up to be an exceptionally busy day across the Etihad Campus, and with the temporary closure of Manchester Piccadilly affecting many regular rail journeys, it’s really important that people plan ahead.
“We’re working closely with our partners to make sure everyone can get to and from their event reliably, whether that’s by using rail replacement services, Bee Network buses, Metrolink or walking and cycling routes from the city centre.
“The dedicated travel information on the Bee Network website is the best place to check your options before setting off, so your journey is as smooth as possible.”
Steve Gilholme, Head of Events at Transport for Greater Manchester.