The upcoming engineering works near Stockport railway station will improve journeys across three counties, Network Rail has said.

During a three-week closure from 2 to 23 August, engineers from Network Rail will replace the Greek Street bridge, and will carry out a further £23m in upgrades along the West Coast Mainline.

These other upgrades include power line strengthening, platform work at Poynton station, track renewals, and more.

A spokesperson said it will improve journeys in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Staffordshire.

No trains at all will be running through Stockport during the period between the 2nd and 23rd.

Network Rail said that getting upgrades done in one fell swoop saves taxpayer money and is more efficient. "The alternative is years of disruptive weekend or overnight working to deliver the same benefits for passengers and freight", the spokesperson added.

(Image - Network Rail)

Christian Irwin OBE, a director at Network Rail, added: "We know that any railway closure means changes to people's travel plans, so we've worked hard to make sure we carry out as many improvement projects as efficiently and effectively as possible during this rare three-week window when routes in and around Stockport are closed.

"When combined all of these upgrades will greatly improve the future reliability for passenger and freight trains on the West Coast Main Line for years to come. During the significant improvements, we're advising people to plan ahead and remember to check before they travel by using National Rail Enquiries."

Rail replacement buses will be running in lieu of trains throughout the three weeks.

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.

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