Plans to build a viaduct connecting Manchester’s Victoria, Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations are due to undergo public consultation from Tuesday 20 November. The proposals, which form part of Network Rail’s plan to improve railways across the north, will be showcased in a series of exhibitions across Manchester and Salford.

Known as the Ordsall Chord, the new piece of track will help make rail travel across the region faster and more frequent, and could also help to boost the economy by £4.2bn and create 20,000 – 30,000 extra jobs throughout the area.

Located to the north west of Castlefield Junction, and crossing the River Irwell between Salford and Manchester, the new chord will free up space on the network for faster, more frequent services, including:

- Two new fast trains per hour between Manchester Victoria and Liverpool
- Six fast trains an hour between Leeds and Manchester
- A new direct train through Manchester to the airport
- Faster journey times to Hull, Newcastle and the North East

Jo Kaye, Network Rail route managing director said: “The Ordsall Chord is the first part of our wider plan to bring a better railway to the north of England. Our proposals will help the economy, making it easier for people to travel between the towns and cities of the North as a result of greatly improved connections across the region. We are keen to talk to people about the progress we have made on the scheme and are looking forward to hearing their views.”

Last year saw Network Rail hold its biggest ever consultation on plans for improving rail in the North, and is now inviting comments on the next phase of consultation. Events are being held at the following locations and times:

· Tuesday 20 November, 4pm – 8pm, Museum of Science & Industry
· Wednesday 21 November, 12pm – 8pm, Museum of Science & Industry
· Friday 23 November, 12pm – 8pm, Creative Media Centre, Salford
· Saturday 24 November, 1pm – 5pm, Museum of Science & Industry
· Monday 26 November, 4pm – 8pm, Salford Central station
· Tuesday 27 November, 10am – 5pm, Manchester Town Hall
· Wednesday 28 November, 4pm – 8pm, Manchester Piccadilly station

More details on the scheme and full addresses for the venues are both available on Network Rail’s website: www.networkrail.co.uk/ordsall