WORK to prepare Flowery Field railway station for a major accessibility upgrade has now got under way.
Vegetation clearance and ground investigations are taking place around the station.
Network Rail has confirmed that the preparatory work, which started on August 17, will run to September 4, ahead of a main improvement scheme planned for next year.
The project will transform the station, which sits on the Hyde-Dukinfield border, with two new passenger lifts among the key improvements. Better lighting, upgraded CCTV and improvements to station facilities are also planned.
The changes are designed to make Flowery Field easier and safer to use for more passengers, including disabled people, those travelling with pushchairs and people carrying heavy luggage.
The current work involves clearing vegetation and carrying out ground investigations around the station. Network Rail says this is necessary to prepare the site before construction of the main improvements begins in 2027.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will lead the work and expects the main station improvements to be completed by late spring 2028. TfGM, Northern and Network Rail are working together on the project, with funding coming from the Government and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Residents have been warned that they may notice noise from machinery and lights from equipment during the work.
Most activity is taking place on weekdays between 7am and 6pm, although some work may need to be carried out overnight when trains are not running or road closures are required to allow work to be completed safely.
Despite the work, Flowery Field station remains open and trains are continuing to run as normal. Temporary barriers and signs have been installed to help keep access routes clear.
The company has also confirmed that any trees or bushes which need to be removed will be replaced in line with planning conditions and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
The planned improvements form part of TfGM’s wider programme to increase the number of accessible stations across Greater Manchester.
Flowery Field first opened in 1985 and currently has two platforms, serving trains running between Hadfield and Manchester Piccadilly. Around 180,000 passengers use the station each year.