A major milestone has been reached in Stockport as the new Greek Street railway bridge—supporting a four‑way roundabout above the West Coast Main Line—has officially reopened after a year‑long transformation. The £20m upgrade by Network Rail ensures the long‑term safety and reliability of both the road network above and the busy rail corridor below.
The project, part of Network Rail’s extensive investment across the West Coast Main Line, completely replaced the former 67‑year‑old structure with a modern bridge designed to last 120 years. According to released time‑lapse footage, all 51 structural elements of the new bridge were craned into place during an intensive 21‑day railway closure last August.
Since then, crews have reinstated the carriageway and reconnected vital buried utilities, including drainage, power supply, water mains, and gas infrastructure.
Ahead of reopening on Thursday 26 March, pupils from St Matthew’s and Our Lady’s schools received road‑safety lessons as traffic levels are expected to increase significantly around the area. Local business owners affected by the long-running works also met teams from contractor Murphy and Network Rail to review progress.
Patrick Vallely, Network Rail Capital Delivery head of Buildings and Civils, said:
“Seeing traffic running smoothly once more at Greek Street is a proud moment for us all who’ve been working on this project for many years.
“Replacing Greek Street bridge was a massive feat of civil engineering which has impacted people right across Stockport for over a year, so I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for bearing with us. This essential project now secures the future of this structure and will provide a safe and reliable road and railway network for decades to come.”
Stockport Council Leader Councillor Mark Roberts emphasised the significance for the region:
“The reopening of Greek Street Bridge is a really important moment for Stockport and marks the successful completion of a complex project delivered on time.
“This was essential maintenance work that couldn’t be avoided, and completing it now has helped future proof a vital part of our transport network so it remains safe and reliable for years to come. Restoring this key route will make a real difference for residents, commuters and local businesses, and I want to thank everyone for their patience and support over the past 12 months.
“Completing this project is another step forward in our wider transport vision, strengthening connectivity and helping us build a transport network, incorporating Metrolink, that works for everyone.”
Murphy’s transportation managing director, Jamie Rothwell, added:
“This project is testament to the expertise and collaboration between the Murphy and Network Rail team, and our supply chain partners, who all worked together to realise this complex and critical upgrade.
“We are grateful for the support received by the local community whilst we have been on site and are pleased to be able to hand back this improved and future-proofed structure which will serve the local community for many years to come.”
A well‑known mosaic from the old bridge has also been preserved and reinstalled on the new structure.
This upgrade plays a key role in Network Rail’s wider £400m investment programme which is strengthening Europe’s busiest mixed-use passenger and freight corridor, the West Coast Main Line.
Image and video credit: Network Rail
