The work will improve access between the main concourse and platforms 4, 5 and 6.
Network Rail is adding the staircases to the opposite side of the station’s main link bridge, doubling the number of stairways between the bridge and the three platforms.
Work is due to run from September 2026 until spring 2027.
Construction of the new stairs is expected to continue until March and will not affect train services, although parts of platforms 4, 5 and 6 will be closed and used as a worksite.
The lifts on the link bridge will remain available throughout the project.
Manchester Victoria serves 8.3 million passengers a year, according to figures cited by Network Rail.
Nicky Gill, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The stair and footbridge improvements at Manchester Victoria station are part of a wider investment across the North West to improve and increase train services in the coming years. When complete it will immediately improve how passengers move between the main concourse and platforms. In the longer-term it’ll mean more trains can serve the station in future.
“We’ve carefully planned our work around events at Manchester AO Arena during the project and are working closely with all train operators while it takes place. I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience while we complete these important upgrades.”
Tony Keeling, Northern Manchester Victoria station manager, said: “We're really pleased this important project is about to get underway as these new staircases will make more space for passengers to access platforms.
“We’ll be working hard to minimise the impact on passengers while the work is being done and will have staff on hand to provide assistance to anyone who needs it.”
Story Contracting Ltd is carrying out the work.
The project forms part of the Manchester Rail Upgrade, which includes a series of schemes intended to increase rail capacity across the North West between now and the mid-2030s.
