Commuters using one of Greater Manchester's busiest rail stations are a step closer to a less cramped journey.

The rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has authorised a package of improvements at Salford Crescent station, clearing one of the final hurdles before a brand-new third platform can open.

The authorisation, issued on 2 October, covers the new 157-metre Salford Crescent third platform with a canopy and seating, an extension to the existing footbridge, a new lift and a new ticket gate line beside the current station building.

According to the regulator, the sign-off confirms the work meets the required standards for health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability.

The £21m scheme was first tabled in July 2024, and construction began in March 2025. It was originally due to be finished in early 2026.

The new platform is expected to start being used in a limited capacity towards the end of October, with an official launch predicted for December.

Network Rail says trains will begin making scheduled stops at the third platform following the December 2026 National Rail timetable change.

The extra platform is designed to improve passenger flow and reduce delays, giving more flexibility to trains running through central Manchester and on across the country.

Students and staff at the neighbouring University of Salford are among those who stand to benefit, with the station sitting right beside the campus.

The work is part of wider Manchester train station upgrades in the area, with nearby Salford Central completing its own upgrade in October 2025.

The real test will come once regular services begin calling at the new platform and passengers can judge whether the bottlenecks ease.

Sources: Office of Rail and Road, Network Rail and the Manchester Evening News. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources above.