Passengers advised to 'plan ahead' for upcoming three-week railway closure in Stockport
It's just over a month before major works will put Stockport railway station temporarily out of action, and Network Rail is advising passengers to plan ahead.
From 2-23 August, engineers from Network Rail will be replacing the Greek Street roundabout bridge.
During that three week period, no trains will be running on the line between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Piccadilly, or on any train services on other lines into Stockport.
Rail replacement buses will be in place instead, with further details of services and times to be confirmed soon.
As Network Rail project manager William Brandon said: "We have worked closely with train operators, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council on the best alternative travel plan possible for a closure of this size.
"I'd advise you to check your specific journey on National Rail Enquiries website to understand exactly how your services will be affected."
As part of the alternative transport plans, TfGM has confirmed that it will be accepting train tickets on Bee Network buses throughout the closure.
As for the station itself, the ticket office and underpass between Edgeley and Stockport Exchange will remain open.
In other preparations, workers will also build a temporary bridge so that the supply of utilities such as water, gas and electricity can continue as the main bridge is replaced.
Stephen Rhodes, TfGM's director of bus, said: "The replacement of the Greek Street bridge is a once in a lifetime moment to ensure the safety of road and rail users for generations to come.
"With a project of this scale there will always be disruption and by working closely with our partners we are looking to minimise this as much as we can and keep everyone on the move.
"When the rail line is closed in August we'll be accepting rail tickets on Bee Network buses in the area to help reduce the impact of the closure and make sure people can get where they need to be."
The roundabout closed to traffic in March this year. Contractors from Murphy have been working to prepare for the bridge's 'once in a lifetime' replacement.
The bridge was built in 1958 and is reaching the end of its natural life. The new bridge is designed to last around 120 years.
William Brandon, Network Rail's project manager, said the work will make the West Coast Mainline "safer and more reliable"
"I understand that closing the railway through Stockport for 21 days will be inconvenient to our passengers, and I am sorry about this", he said.
Lisa Magee, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, added: "Together with Network Rail and other train operators we're finalising the timetable and will share more details in the coming weeks, so customers can plan their journeys in advance.
"We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding, and as always, we strongly encourage them to check the National Rail website, as well as with their train operators for the latest updates."
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