Network Rail pledges £16m for Stockport bridge replacement

The 58-metre-wide Greek Street bridge carries a busy highway junction over the West Coast main line’s approach to Stockport station.

In a statement, Network Rail claimed the almost 70-year-old bridge had “reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.”

Replacing the old structure will be a future-proof construction made of about 200 concrete beams.

The Greek Street roundabout will be closed to traffic from spring 2025 for approximately a year.

Final installation will take place over 20 days in August 2025.

Rail closures are required during Easter, summer, and autumn of next year.

A complicated process, due to the railway operating beneath the bridge, will see a temporary bridge constructed to reroute existing utility services.

Pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and motorists should expect diversions.

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “It’s a huge job that affects key parts of the rail and road network.

“We will do everything we can to make sure our passengers, Stockport residents, businesses, and visitors are aware of changes to travel options during the work.”

Network Rail will coordinate with Stockport Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and Avanti West Coast to ensure the public is well informed about the works.

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s chief network officer, said: “We will be making sure people are given plenty of notice ahead of any potential disruption at this important and busy junction and that people are aware of the best options to make their journeys.”

In preparation for inevitable disruption, Lisa Magee, Avanti West Coast team leader at Stockport, said: “We encourage anyone planning to travel during this time to check the websites of the local authority, as well as their train operator and National Rail Enquires for the latest information.”

Walk Ride Stockport, an active travel campaign group, has expressed displeasure with the current plans.

In a statement the organisation said: “We are disappointed that the plan is to replace the existing roundabout layout essentially like-for-like, maintaining existing problems with speeding and road danger for local residents, and pushing cyclists onto backstreets and alleyways.”