Drivers and railway passengers have been warned to prepare for disruption when a major route in Stockport is closed for a year while a bridge is replaced.

Work at the Greek Street roundabout by Network Rail is set to begin in spring 2025 as part of a £16 million project, after the 1958 Greek Street bridge was found to be "at the end of its life."

Diversion routes for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and motorists are being planned to manage the roads in the area while the work takes place over the West Coast main line.

Rail closures are also required during easter, summer and autumn 2025 while engineers carry out the replacement, with 'some preparation work' required at the site this Christmas.

Network Rail said that passengers will be 'advised on what this means for them with plenty of time to plan their journeys.'

The project will see the 58-metre-wide bridge demolished and rebuilt.

The Greek Street bridge crosses the West Coast Mainline (Image - Network Rail)

Engineers will construct a temporary bridge to reroute existing utility services such as water and electricity, and the road layout will be removed in a way that does not damage the bridge structure while the railway is in operation.

The demolition work will take place over 20 days in August 2025 when the bridge, which is made of about 200 concrete beams, will be removed and the new one installed in its place.

Last year, Stockport council gave approval for new road, cycle, and pedestrian improvements to take place while the roundabout is closed.

During a town hall meeting in October 2023, Cllr Matt Wynne said the project would be "the most significant civil engineering project that we've seen in this borough in the central Stockport area since the M60 being built in terms of disruption and the knock-on effect."

The bridge replacement is also a key part of the council's campaign to bring the Metrolink to Stockport, which could be linked to the town centre via East Didsbury in future.

The Armoury Roundabout (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services at Stockport council, 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 ."

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, added: "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."

Transport for Greater Manchester and Avanti West Coast will be working with Stockport council and Network rail during the work to "make sure people are given plenty of notice ahead of any potential disruption."

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