Major work on railway infrastructure around Stockport continues.

With part of the M60 currently closed over successive nights so work can be carried out on Stockport Viaduct, this time, Network Rail is informing regular motorists who use the Greek Street roundabout that it will close for a full year while they demolish and replace the 1958 built bridge, with a stronger structure.

Work will begin on March 31st 2025 with the project costing £16m the replacement of this bridge is vitally important to both rail and road users as the bridge sits across the West Coast Mainline, which links London to Manchester while the roundabout serves four roads that all converge on the one bridge.

Most trains will run normally during the closure, with minor service changes from April 19th to 22nd, 2025, to accommodate major construction phases. This will see trains being diverted around Stockport or temporarily replaced by a bus service.

As for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, diversions will be in place. Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are carefully discussing and planning the routes to ensure everyone keeps moving during peak travel times.

Brief overview of the Works

Workers started preliminary bridge replacement work; a temporary bridge was constructed in late December 2024 to reroute electricity and water utility services away from the Greek Street roundabout.

During the Easter holidays, 2025 work will take place to prepare the railway for the bridge’s replacement during the summer. To keep trains running below the 58-meter-wide bridge, they will demolish and rebuild it in stages. On March 31st, 2025, crews will begin gradually removing the road layout to reach the bridge deck.

The bridge and its 200 concrete beams will be fully demolished by 23rd August 2025. Construction of the new bridge will follow, which will include waterproofing the new bridge deck and the rebuilding of the roundabout and pavements before reinstating the diverted utilities. The new bridge and roundabout is set to open to the public in early Spring 2026.

Olivia Boland, Network Rail sponsor, said: “We’re replacing the Greek Street bridge in Stockport to keep the railway below and road users above safe for years to come. 

We are very grateful for the cooperation of the local community during the work. I know that closing the roundabout for a year will disrupt the daily lives the local community, and I am very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause.  

We have worked closely with Stockport Council and TfGM to make road, pedestrian, and bus diversions as convenient as possible. I’d advise you to please follow the official diversionary routes, which can be found on the Network Rail website.” 

Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways, and Transport Services, said: “We know this closure will be disruptive for residents, commuters, and businesses, and we don’t underestimate the impact it will have. But this work is essential to keep both the road and railway safe and reliable for years to come. 

We’re working closely with Network Rail and TfGM to keep Stockport moving, with diversion routes in place to help ease the impact. We really appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while this vital project is carried out.”