Road users in Stockport have been advised that the Greek Street roundabout will be reopening in one month’s time (Friday 27 March), following extensive improvements to the railway below.
The roundabout sits atop Greek Street bridge, which was replaced by Network Rail engineering teams in a successful £20m scheme completed last summer. Network Rail and its contractor partner Murphy replaced the Greek Street bridge during a 21-day closure of the railway in August.
The project saw 200 concrete beams on the previous 67-year-old structure removed using two giant crawler cranes. The new bridge sections were then inched into position across a 60m gap above the tracks, with a concrete deck poured on top.
Replacing the huge structure was vital in keeping trains moving safely along the West Coast Main Line and will ensure disruption to motorists is kept at a minimum for years to come – with the modern structure’s lifespan at an estimated 120 years.
Following the successful completion of the bridge replacement, teams have been finalising works on the road, including diverting utilities previously on temporary scaffolding.
After some finishing touches, the roundabout will reopen on Friday 27 March, one year on from its closure on 31 March 2025.
Hannah Clarke, Network Rail sponsor, said: “We would like to thank the Stockport community for their patience while we have been completing this vital work.
“The replacement of Greek Street bridge will futureproof this section of the railway and the road above it for decades to come. We would also like to say thank you to all of our partners for their support during this project.”
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “The reopening of Greek Street Bridge marks a really important moment for Stockport. Not only will it restore a key route for residents, commuters and businesses, but it also strengthens the foundations we’re putting in place for the borough’s future. Reopening the road is another step forward in our wider transport vision for Stockport. It supports our long‑term ambitions for Metrolink and the improved connectivity it will bring. We’re committed to building a transport network that works for everyone, and this milestone brings us closer to achieving that.”
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “I’m delighted that the Greek Street Bridge works remain on schedule and that we’ll be able to reopen the road on 27 March as planned. We have used the opportunity presented by the closure to renew and improve the infrastructure on and around the bridge, as well as working with Network Rail to futureproof the structure for potential tram train options in the years ahead. This has been a major project and I want to sincerely thank residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding while the essential work has taken place. Your support has been invaluable in helping us reach this point."
Stockport is a key stop on the West Coast Main Line – Europe's busiest mixed-use rail line which connects London to Scotland – and this work is the latest effort to upgrade the line for generations to come, with more than £400m to be spent in the coming year. That includes this Easter where further improvements will see some changes to journeys for people travelling south to London and North towards Cumbria.
www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk
