Anti-erosion work is being carried out on Reddish Vale viaduct in the Tame Valley to bolster safety on the railway.
This is after a Network Rail inspection of the viaduct found that fast-slowing water from the River Tame has caused the riverbed to wash away.
Around 2,500 tonnes of rock armour are being installed at the foundations of the structure.
The repairs taking place will safeguard the viaduct’s foundations against the risk of erosion and will ensure trains can travel on the Hope Valley line safely.
The work is expected to be completed by February 2022.
Chris Pye, North West Infrastructure Director at Network Rail spoke on the work taking place on the Reddish Vale viaduct.
Mr Pye said: “We’re carrying out vital work to protect Reddish Vale viaduct and the riverbed from erosion.
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while the work takes place.
“I appreciate it’s not ideal to have large machines near your homes.
“We’re doing all we can to limit the impact wherever possible.”
Trains are currently running over the structure at the usual 50mph line speed whilst the work takes place.
Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern commented on the maintenance work on the Hope Valley line.
Mr Jackson said: “Improvements like these are essential in delivering our long-term strategy to create a better railway for the north.
“[The improvements are] a great example of the rail industry working together to improve the network.
“We are sorry for any disruption while the work takes place.
“Our customers can be assured that both Northern and Network Rail will do everything possible to keep them on the move.”
The viaduct which was built in 1875 is located in the Reddish Vale area of Stockport and carries trains over the Tame Valley.
Train services operating on the viaduct help to connect Manchester and Sheffield via the Hope Valley line.
