The UK’s Network Rail has awarded Kier a contract for the £115m ($152m) upgrade of Manchester Airport railway station in the UK.
The scheme aims to increase rail capacity, improve reliability and accommodate rising passenger demand at the airport, one of the North West’s main international gateways.
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Kier will act as principal contractor, extending platforms one, two and three to accommodate longer trains.
The project will also improve the track layout on the approach to the station and modernise signalling systems.
The main construction phase is scheduled to run from late 2026 to mid-2028.
According to Network Rail, these upgrades form part of the larger Manchester Rail Upgrade programme, which aims to expand and improve rail infrastructure across Greater Manchester and the North West.
The improvements are intended to provide more operational flexibility, accommodate projected growth in passenger numbers, and enable more frequent and reliable services for those travelling to and from the airport.
UK Rail Minister Peter Hendy said: “Manchester Airport is a vital transport hub and this £115m investment from government will deliver more reliable services, increase capacity, and improve connections for the millions of passengers who use the station every year.
“By bringing track and train closer together under public ownership, we can take a more joined-up approach to investing in the railway, improving performance, putting passengers at the heart of every decision and growing the economy in the North.”
Network Rail is working with Manchester Airport Group, Transport for Greater Manchester, train operators and other partners to manage disruption during works. The work will include replacement bus services between Wilmslow and Manchester Airport during affected periods.
The Manchester Airport station project follows neighbouring upgrades in the region, such as electrification work between Wigan and Bolton and platform extensions at Mauldeth Road, Gatley and East Didsbury.
In a separate announcement, Kier has been awarded a major contract at Sizewell C through the Major Civils Framework.
The group will deliver the Sizewell Link Road, a 6.8km route connecting the A12 to the construction site.
The new road is planned to act as the primary access route for the power station project, aiming to reduce heavy goods vehicle traffic through local communities as part of the government’s £725bn ten-year Infrastructure Strategy.
