No trains to station for most of August

NO TRAINS will run to or from Stockport railway station for the most of August due to vital bridge repair work, it has been announced, with service changes also likely to hit a number of other Greater Manchester stations including Piccadilly and Oxford Road.

- BY PAUL BRITTON

During a 21-day rail line closure period, there will also be no train services on the line between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Piccadilly, Network Rail said.

The ongoing £20m investment in the Greek Street bridge in Stockport will mean the closure of the Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line.

The 67-year-old bridge is being demolished and rebuilt over 21 days between August 2 and August 22 - when the rail line will close - in what is being described as 'a once-in-a-lifetime project.

Built in 1958, the 67-year-old structure has 'reached the end of its life, added Network Rail.

On it sits a four-way roundabout which carries traffic over the West Coast mainline next to Stockport station.

It is a key traffic route between the town centre, Shaw Heath and Edgeley, including Stockport County's Edgeley Park ground.

"During that time no trains will be able to run through Stockport with rail replacement buses in operation.

"The railway will reopen the morning of the 23 August," said a statement.

"Passengers are advised to plan their journey on the National Rail Enquires website, where they can find information about how their specific services are affected.

"The effects of the closure are far-reaching because of the critical location of the bridge.