Abseiling engineers carried out repairs to Stockport Viaduct in an impressive scene in the early hours of Sunday (23 Feb) morning.

Engineers from Network Rail descended the 19th century structure as part of a £1.1m repair programme.

The works involve clearing vegetation, cleaning graffiti, and repairing some of the 11 million bricks in the Viaduct, in an effort to keep it going for generations to come.

In the video below, drone footage taken by the workers shows the viaduct in an entirely new light. (All video credit goes to Network Rail.)

So that works can be carried out safely, the M60 is closed between J27 and J1 in both directions throughout the night (10pm until 6am) - these night closures will remain in place until Sunday 2 March.

Michael Lally, Network Rail Works Delivery manager, said: "The team have done a fantastic job this week carrying out important repairs to the viaduct arches that cross the M60 in Stockport.  

"This is the final stage of the project, which started last year. 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." 

Built in 1840, Stockport Viaduct is a Grade II* listed structure which is as important and iconic now as it was in centuries gone by. It carries 400 trains along the West Coast Mainline every day.

Read more about the history of Stockport Viaduct in this article by the Stockport Heritage Trust.

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