Network Rail to continue £1 million restoration of Stockport Viaduct

Network Rail has shared plans to restore the span of Stockport’s iconic viaduct across the M60 motorway as part of its £1 million restoration of the structure.

Built in 1840, the Grade II listed Stockport Viaduct carries almost 400 trains every day between Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.

The body, which is responsible for Stockport Viaduct’s maintenance, began work to remove overgrowing vegetation clean away graffiti and carry out extensive repairs on the viaduct last year, with work on 23 of the 550-metre-long structure already completed.

With the remaining arches crossing over the busy M60 motorway and the River Mersey, Network Rail’s engineers will abseil down the viaduct to carry out work restoring the rest of the structure’s 11 million bricks. To carry out this work safely, from Monday 17 February – Sunday 2 March 2025 the M60 will close between J27 and J1 in both directions. For 13 nights, the road under the viaduct will close at 10pm and open at 6am. Diversionary routes will be clearly signposted. 

Rob Stephens, principal route engineer for the North West route, said:

“Stockport Viaduct is an important piece of cultural heritage for the railway and the Stockport community. We are proud to be responsible for its upkeep.

“The final stage of the project will take place this February, as we want to make sure the nighttime road closure causes as little inconvenience as possible for the people of Stockport.

“The recent work means the overall appearance of the viaduct is much improved, but it also reduces the risk of damage caused by overgrown vegetation and graffiti.

“Managing plant growth on viaducts such as this is important in maintaining train performance as trees and shrubs can obscure signals and interfere with the overhead lines that power trains.”

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

“Stockport Viaduct is an iconic feature of our town and it is great that Network Rail has been carrying out the restoration of this much loved structure.

“With the £1 billion regeneration of our town centre continuing apace, it’s even more important that our historical, listed, landmarks look their absolute best.

“I’m sure our residents and visitors have seen the improvement in the areas that have already been completed.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this vital final section of the work is completed.”

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said:

“I am delighted that Stockport Viaduct is being cleaned and repaired to its former glory. I have raised concerns in Parliament about the condition of the Viaduct and called for funding to cover cleaning, maintenance and repair costs to this impressive and essential infrastructure. I congratulate Network Rail for recognising and embarking on this huge revamp project, which will benefit people who live, work and travel through Stockport.”