Stockport Viaduct

Revitalising the Historic Stockport Viaduct

The Grade II* listed Stockport Viaduct, a landmark built in 1840, is undergoing a significant restoration. This iconic structure supports nearly 400 trains daily, connecting the West Coast Main Line with Manchester Piccadilly.

In 2024, Network Rail embarked on an ambitious project to rejuvenate the viaduct. This includes removing overgrown vegetation, cleaning graffiti, and repairing the viaduct’s 11 million bricks. To date, 23 of the viaduct’s 26 spans have been meticulously restored.

Spanning 550 meters in length and standing 34 meters tall, the viaduct crosses both the M60 motorway and the River Mersey. Engineers will abseil down the structure to work on the remaining arches above the motorway.

For safety, the M60 will be closed between Junctions 27 and 1 in both directions from Monday, 17 February to Sunday, 2 March 2025. The road beneath the viaduct will be closed nightly from 10pm to 6am for 13 nights, with clearly marked diversion routes in place.

Rob Stephens, principal route engineer for the North West route, said:

“Stockport Viaduct is an important piece of cultural heritage for the railway and the Stockport community. We are proud to be responsible for its upkeep.”

“The final stage of the project will take place this February, as we want to make sure the nighttime road closure causes as little inconvenience as possible for the people of Stockport.

“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.”

Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “Stockport Viaduct is an iconic feature of our town and it is great that Network Rail has been carrying out the restoration of this much loved structure.

“With the £1billion regeneration of our town centre continuing apace, it’s even more important that our historical, listed, landmarks look their absolute best.

“I’m sure our residents and visitors have seen the improvement in the areas that have already been completed.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this vital final section of the work is completed.”

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said: “I am delighted that Stockport Viaduct is being cleaned and repaired to its former glory. I have raised concerns in Parliament about the condition of the Viaduct and called for funding to cover cleaning, maintenance and repair costs to this impressive and essential infrastructure. I congratulate Network Rail for recognising and embarking on this huge revamp project, which will benefit people who live, work and travel through Stockport."

Image credit: Network Rail

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