Place Droylsden Station code FRF DfT category F2 Number of platforms 2 | Grid reference SJ904971 Managed by Northern 2011/12 21,234 | |
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Address Audenshaw, Manchester M34 5QA, United Kingdom Similar Belle Vue railway station, Denton railway station, Bredbury railway station, Brinnington railway station, Hyde North railway station | ||
Fairfield railway station serves the Fairfield area of Droylsden, Tameside, Greater Manchester and is 3.1 miles (5 km) east of Manchester Piccadilly station. It was opened by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway in 1892, when the branch to Chorlton-cum-Hardy opened, and replaced an earlier station that had opened with the line in 1841. The original station was east of the present station. For a suburban station, Fairfield has very low passenger usage (see figures right).
Contents
The station currently has two platforms. At one stage, it had six platforms and six lines, with another two lines on each side of the current railway track, with the current two platforms operated as island platforms. This configuration was unusual, as nearby stations on the line were built with four lines - two for local trains and two for express services. Remnants of the closed platforms can still be seen.
Before Beeching, this station (then known as Fairfield for Droylsden) was a junction, with a pair of lines from the east breaking off and running to the south, thereby facilitating a route to Longsight and south Manchester. By means of a switchback to Gorton & Openshaw, this branch enabled the turning round of locomotives without need for a turntable in the area, which could have been invaluable for servicing both the Guide Bridge yards and the facilities of "Gorton Tank" and Beyer, Peacock loco factories. This line was known as the Fallowfield Loop Line and was closed to passengers in July 1958 and to all traffic in 1988.
The station name was changed from Fairfield for Droylsden to Fairfield on 6 May 1974.
Facilities
The amenities offered at the unstaffed station are very basic, with no ticket provision or permanent buildings other than basic waiting shelters. Train running information is provided by telephone and timetable posters. No step-free access is provided (staircases to main entrance from both platforms).
Services
At Fairfield, there is an hourly service to Manchester Piccadilly and towards Rose Hill Marple via Guide Bridge; the evening service is limited & there is no Sunday service.
Manchester-Glossop Line trains do not serve Fairfield, running fast between Ashburys & Guide Bridge.