Work begins on year-long bridge replacement project
Network RailA major Greater Manchester route will be closed for one year from Monday as a £20m bridge replacement project begins.
The Greek Street road and roundabout in Edgeley, Stockport, will close on 31 March as Network Rail begins demolishing and replacing the 58m-wide (190ft) bridge.
First constructed in 1958, it crosses over the West Coast Mainline which links trains from Stockport to Manchester and is Europe's busiest mix-used railway.
Network Rail apologised in advance for the disruption but said it was a "key piece of infrastructure" that needed replacing for the safety of both road users and the railway.
William Brandon, project manager for Network Rail, said: "Lots of people are surprised this is a bridge but the whole roundabout sits on a bridge, it has reached the end of its life and it needs to be replaced."
Demolishing and rebuilding the 67-year-old bridge would be a "complex process", Network Rail said.
The bridge, made of about 200 concrete beams, will have a new one installed between 2 and 23 August.
Working in conjunction with Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Network Rail said a number diversionary routes will operate for pedestrians and motorists.
Nearby Stockport County FC are encouraging fans to plan their journeys ahead.
Gavin Bailey, chief operating officer of Stockport County, said: "We are confident the long-term benefits of this project will outweigh the temporary inconvenience, and we look forward to the successful completion of this vital work for the betterment of our town."
Impacted services
- Bus services including the 11, 309, 310, 312, 313 and 374 will be diverted, between Mercian Way and Wellington Road South, via Booth Street and Longshut Lane West.
- Railway will shut between 19-22 April, and for 21 days in August.
- Passengers are advised to check National Rail before they travel for diversion routes.
- A London to Manchester train service will still operate but not as frequently.
- No trains will run out of Stockport into Manchester, those travelling south are advised to take a bus replacement via Manchester for onward journeys.
Additional reporting by Judy Hobson.
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