Cheshire railway bridges reopened after £17m makeover

Network Rail has completed the refurbishment of four bridges and two viaducts in Cheshire, with train services restored between Crewe to Manchester and Sandbach to Northwich.

As part of Network Rail’s £40bn Railway Upgrade Plan, the grade two-listed viaducts at Holmes Chapel and Peover were restored, with works including the removal of water stains on the walls, brickwork repairs and waterproofing.

At the same time, Network Rail engineers undertook strengthening work to the Hungerford Road bridge in Crewe, Shipbrook Road bridge in Rudheath and to the Whatcroft underbridge and Trent and Mersey Canal bridge in Davenham.

J. Murphy & Sons was the contractor.

Terry Strickland, area director for Network Rail said: “This work was completed with the least amount of disruption to passengers and will mean there will be even less impact on services in the years to come because of the reduced need for maintenance work. Our engineers worked quickly and safely to complete these works on time and on budget and by completing all of these jobs at the same time, were able to save £500,000 of taxpayers’ money.

“We worked closely with the train operators involved to run as many trains as possible and I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while the improvements took place.”