Network Rail announces plans for Greek Street Bridge replacement works

Network Rail has announced it will begin work to replace the Greek Street Bridge over the West Coast main line in Stockport town centre in Spring 2025.

£16 million is being invested in the project that will see the uniquely designed bridge that takes the Greek Street roundabout over the railway line. The original bridge was constructed in 1958.

Work on the junction will begin next year, with preparation works to start from Christmas 2024. From spring 2025, the Greek Street roundabout will be closed to traffic for approximately one year. Diversion routes for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and motorists are being carefully planned and will be clearly signposted.

Rail closures on the route will also be required to carry out the work safely during Easter, summer and autumn 2025.

Demolishing and rebuilding the 58-metre-wide bridge will be a complex process. Engineers will construct a temporary bridge to reroute existing utility services such as water and electricity. Then, the road layout will be removed carefully in a way that does not damage the bridge structure while the railway is in operation.

Over 20 days in August 2025, the bridge, which is made of about 200 concrete beams, will be demolished and the new bridge will be installed. Then, the team will redirect the utility services, waterproof the bridge, and reinstate the road to the highest standard. The new bridge has also been designed to futureproof the infrastructure for a future Metrolink extension into Stockport town centre.

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said:

“We’re replacing the Greek Street bridge in Stockport to keep the railway below and road users above safe for years to come.

“It is 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.

“We’re working closely with Stockport Council and our industry partners to minimise the disruption as much as possible”.

Network Rail is working with Stockport Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Avanti West Coast and other industry partners to make sure residents, local businesses and visitors to the area know how they will be affected by the work.

Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways and Transport services, said:

“Greek Street is a major route in and out of our town centre and it is essential that these works to replace the bridge below the roundabout are carried out as soon as possible, especially as we look for the bridge to be designed for our future plans to bring the Metrolink to Stockport.

“The project team will continue to be in close dialogue with residents and businesses locally while the works take place as it is essential that we minimise disruption for both road users and train passengers throughout the project .”

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Chief Network Officer said:

“TfGM is working closely with Network Rail and Stockport Council to put plans in place to keep people moving and minimise any disruption to journeys during these essential works.

“As the start of the works approaches 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.”

Lisa Magee, Avanti West Coast Team Leader at Stockport, said:

“While Network Rail carry out this major piece of work, there’ll be changes to Stockport’s rail services, as well as road access to the station.

“We’re working with Network Rail, Stockport Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and industry partners to ensure customers know what this will mean for their journeys to or from Stockport by rail or road. 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 Enquiries for the latest information.”