The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, which opened on 1 January 1894, required the railway line to be raised in order to provide clearance for shipping, so a new line was built parallel but at a higher level. The new line was used by goods trains from 9 January 1893, and on 26 March 1893 passenger trains were also transferred to the deviation, the original station being closed and replaced by the present station.[1][2]
In August 1954, the station was renamed Irlam for Cadishead, reverting to Irlam on 6 May 1974.[1][3]
Irlam railway station in 1988
Facilities
The station is unstaffed, despite being used by over 350,000 passengers a year. The next station on the line, Flixton, is at least partially staffed although its usage is much less. A ticket machine is now available for use, both for purchasing tickets and collecting ones bought in advance. Shelters, digital information screens and timetable poster boards are provided on both platforms. Step-free access is available only on the eastbound side.[4]
After lying derelict for nearly twenty-five years, the station building was renovated and reopened in March 2015. It now serves as a railway-themed cafe, with toilets, a cycle hub, and 60-space car park.[5]
Irlam station is unusual in that the track and platform is the wrong side of the station building on the Manchester side. This is due to the deviation of the line in 1893.
Services
Monday to Saturday services are provided by Northern Trains and TransPennine Express, both on a basic hourly frequency. Northern local services run to Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Oxford Road (though a few terminate at Warrington Central at peak times and in the evening), whilst TransPennine Express services run to Liverpool and Cleethorpes via Manchester Piccadilly, Sheffield and Doncaster.[6] The latter service was introduced at the December 2022 timetable change, replacing the former Northern Connect service to/from Manchester Airport.
Trains have served the station on Sundays since December 2006. This is the first Sunday service at this station in over twenty years, with an hourly stopping service operating in both directions to Liverpool and Manchester Oxford Road.
References
^ abcdButt, R.V.J. (1995). The Directory of Railway Stations. Yeovil: Patrick Stephens Ltd. p. 128. ISBN1-85260-508-1. R508.
^ abStations in Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees are considered part of North East England, while stations in the unitary areas of York and North Yorkshire are considered part of Yorkshire and the Humber.
^Stations in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire are considered part of Yorkshire and the Humber, while all other stations are considered part of the East Midlands.
