MOSSLEY’S railway station may be on the move as part of a multi-billion pound rail project.
The Transpennine Route Upgrade will see lines between Manchester Victoria and York electrified in a scheme costing between £8.5 billion and £11.5 billion.
Gantries and cables are in place up until Stalybridge, with testing to take place this year before the introduction of electric trains in 2024.
Now plans are being drawn up for the stretch between Stalybridge and Huddersfield – and The Correspondent understands that may see huge changes in Mossley.
The current site, at the junction of Manchester Road and Stamford Road, will be thoroughly examined with a view to making it more accessible, particularly on the side heading towards West Yorkshire.
Installing a lift to that platform will be considered, as will as how a longer platform to accommodate the larger trains that will run once the project is complete can be installed.
But The Correspondent has learned moving the station is not off the table if it Is more cost effective than amending the current set-up.
And more than one possible location has been earmarked.
How the gantries will be put in place will also have to be carefully planned, especially on the stretch that runs behind properties on Manchester Road in the town.
So far, much of the installation has taken place overnight but the proximity of homes and businesses may prove a sticking point.
It is understood those behind the route upgrade will speak to those living or running businesses in close proximity to the rail line before any work takes place – and it may be three years until anything starts.
Mossley councillors – both for Tameside Council and Mossley Town Council – are also likely to be consulted.
The whole scheme is not expected to be complete until the middle of the next decade.