Network Rail launches biggest ever consultation in Greater Manchester

Network Rail has today launched its biggest ever consultation exercise to gather the views of the public on its vision for rail in the North. The consultation, which will see exhibitions held in stations, town halls and shopping centres in an effort to get as many people to comment as possible.

The exhibitions will display Network Rail’s emerging plans for Ordsall Chord, a new short section of railway linking Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly stations, along with a wider vision for rail investment across the North – the Northern Hub. The event will also mark the launch of consultations for electrification and improvement proposals for Manchester Victoria station, which have been put together with Transport for Greater Manchester.

Thousands of members of the public are expected to attend the series of events which will run in Greater Manchester throughout October.

Graham Botham, Network Rail’s programme sponsor for the Northern Hub, said: “Better connections between the towns and cities of the North are vital for the economy. We want to make it easier for people to get to work, do business, go shopping and visit friends and family. We want to share our vision with the public and look forward to hearing their views.”