Station lifts will be out of action for three months

Rail passengers, in particular those with mobility issues, are being advised to check before travel owing to the replacement of lifts at Macclesfield Station.

The £400,000 investment work, which will run between Wednesday 20 January and Wednesday 31st March in 2021, is intended to make step-free access more reliable to station platforms.

Both lifts will be out of action at the same time, but there will be staff on hand to help out at the station for these who may need help.

This means:

• No step-free access at Macclesfield station between Wednesday 20 January and Wednesday 31 March.
• Passengers who need step-free access should book via a specific train operator.
• Tickets will be valid for passengers to travel via the nearest step-free stations.
• While the lifts are out of use, only Platform 1 will have step-free access. This is served by northern-bound trains.

Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for buildings at Network Rail, said: “This investment into the lifts at Macclesfield station is much-needed and will greatly improve reliability for passengers.

“We understand the upgrade will be disruptive for passengers and we are working closely with station operators to make everyone’s journey as easy as it can be during the work.

“I’d urge anyone planning to travel to or from Macclesfield during the ten-week project to plan ahead and book assisted travel with their specific train operator.”

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Macclesfield, said: “We’re working with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as the works to upgrade the lifts at Macclesfield station take place.

“As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Macclesfield during this time, but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail undertakes this latest scheme for the Great North Rail Project.”

John Robson, CrossCountry regional director West Midlands and North West, said: “We understand this work may cause some short term disruption for passengers. However, when complete, it will mean better and more reliable step-free access, and an easier travel experience for everyone using the station lifts.”

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We warmly welcome this significant investment at Macclesfield railway station which will improve access facilities for passengers and visitors to the town.

“I would like to thank rail users in advance for their patience while these works are undertaken and for any inconvenience experienced.

“I would also encourage any passenger with access needs or disability to contact their train operator’s passenger assistance service, in advance of their planned trip, to arrange support for their journey.

“The rail station is a key gateway for Macclesfield, and it is great news that this investment will improve passenger facilities and help prepare the station for the expected increase in passengers once HS2 high-speed rail to Crewe and beyond is delivered. It is another vote of confidence in the future of Macclesfield.”