Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”) of 1 Eversholt Street, London, NW1 2DN, is applying to the Secretary of State for Transport under section 6 of the Transport and Works Act 1992, for the above-mentioned order under sections 1 and 5 of that Act.

The draft order gives statutory authority to Network Rail for the construction, maintenance and operation of works in the City of Manchester for the improvement of the railway at Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Deansgate Stations to increase capacity through the Castlefield Viaduct, comprising the construction of two new lengths of track to create new platforms at Piccadilly Station and re-alignment of tracks to extend the platforms at Oxford Road Station, together with ancillary development including construction of a new viaduct, widening of existing viaducts, reconfiguration of existing station bridges, new footbridges and realignment of Travis Street and Fairfield Street.

The Order includes provisions for –

• the compulsory acquisition of land for the proposed works and ancillary purposes, including worksites; the acquisition of rights over specified land; provisions for the temporary use of land in connection with the authorised project; and the extinction and creation of private rights; and

• the operation and use of the railway; temporary and permanent stopping up of highways; provisions relating to streets; powers to carry out protective works to buildings on specified land; and powers to survey and investigate land.

This application is made subject to an environmental impact assessment.

The application contains a statement that a direction for deemed planning permission is being applied for.

A copy of the TWA application and of all plans and other documents submitted with them, may be inspected free of charge from 18 December 2014 to 12 February 2015 at the following places and times:

Copies of the documents will also be available online through Network Rail’s website at www.networkrail.co.uk/oxpicc from 18 December 2014. They can also be provided on request from penny.carter@networkrail.co.uk or telephone 0161 880 3141. A reasonable copying charge may apply, up to a maximum of £435 for the full suite of documents and £5 for an electronic copy on CD. Copies of individual documents are also available on request.

Further information about the proposals can also be obtained by telephoning Network Rail’s national helpline on 08457 11 41 41.

Any objections to, or other representations about, the proposals should be sent to the Secretary of State for Transport c/o Transport and Works Act Orders Unit, General Counsel's Office, Department for Transport, Zone 1/18, Great Minster House, 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR, email transportandworksact@dft.gsi.gov.uk

An objection or representation MUST (i) be received by the Secretary of State on or before 12 February 2015, (ii) be made in writing (whether sent by post or email), (iii) state the grounds of the objection or other representation, (iv) indicate who is making the objection or representation, and (v) give an address to which correspondence relating to the objection or representation may be sent. (If you are sending your objection or other representation by e-mail, please provide a postal address and state "Manchester Piccadilly and Oxford Road Capacity Scheme TWA Order" in the subject of the email.)

The Secretary of State may make complete copies of the objections and other representations public, including any personal information in them, and will copy them to the applicant for the Order.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP, solicitors and parliamentary agents, Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London SE1 9BB, on behalf of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited.

18th December 2014