New bridge components are now ready to be installed on Greek Street, Network Rail has revealed.

The company, which manages the UK's railway infrastructure, is replacing the former Armoury roundabout bridge with a new one, expected to last for a further 100 years.

For engineering works to take place, no trains will be running through Stockport between the 2nd and 23rd of August.

This three week window will see a 'meticulously-planned' operation. Engineers have already 'rehearsed' installing the bridge at a test facility in Ireland, using the same parts.

Early this week, those parts set off from Ireland and are now ready to be installed come Saturday.

Teams inspecting new Greek Street bridge components at manufacturing facility in Ireland (Image - Network Rail)

William Brandon, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: "After years of planning we're excited that this weekend all our preparations will be put into action, so we can successfully rebuild Greek Street railway bridge and improve both the road and rail network for the future for both road users and passengers.

"Once again I'd urge people to check National Rail Enquiries if planning to travel between 2-23 August while the railway through Stockport is totally closed so we can safely carry out our major railway bridge upgrade."

Paul Williams, Murphy senior engineering manager, said: "Completing the construction 'dress rehearsal' enabled us to fully test our installation methodology prior to installing the new Greek Street bridge for real. As a result of this test, we changed the sequence in which we'll crane the sections into position in order to maximise the efficiency of our works during the closure.

"We look forward to completing these upgrades and improving transport links across the area."

Northern Rail has now published a map showing which lines will be out of operation from the 2nd to the 23rd (Image - Northern Rail)

Lots of the local rail network will be closed while the installation takes place.

Some of the key closures are:

• The stretch of West Coast Mainline between Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke will be out of action. This includes stations such as Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Poynton and Macclesfield.
• The Buxton Line will be closed from Manchester to Woodsmoor - however, it will be open from Hazel Grove to Buxton.
• The Heald Green line from Manchester will remain open.

Find more details on the Northern Rail website here.

In most cases, rail replacement buses will be in operation, including both express and stopping services.

Train tickets will be accepted on these selected bus and sometimes tram services across Greater Manchester and beyond.

In some cases, there may also be longer-distance diverted trains which will make use of alternative routes in and out of Manchester.

Stockport railway station itself will remain open, including the ticket office and the underpass between Edgeley and Stockport Exchange.

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