Media centre

Friday 7 Jun 2019

Event for public to learn more about bridge strengthening project in Cheshire

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Residents and motorists in Poynton near Stockport are being invited to find out more about a major railway bridge upgrade this summer.

The investment, as part of the Great North Rail Project, will see the crossing over the railway on Woodford Road strengthened using a system of metal rods and plates.

Vital repairs will also be made to the brickwork underneath the bridge.

Joel Farrell, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “This essential refurbishment forms part of our Great North Rail Project and will ensure that Woodford Road railway bridge will remain safe and viable for years to come.

“We are working closely with Poynton Town Council and other partners to ensure disruption to the local community is kept to a minimum and this renewal work is completed in as short a time-frame as possible.

“We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience while we complete this major upgrade.”

To safely complete the bridge strengthening Woodford Road will be closed to vehicles from Friday 5 July and will reopen on Friday 16 August 2019.

Vehicles will be diverted with the alternative route clearly signposted. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to cross the railway on Woodford Road during the project.

People are being invited to a public drop-in session to learn more about the work between 4pm – 7pm on Wednesday 12 June at Poynton Town Council’s office in Stockport.

Philip Cunningham, operations manager for Poynton Town Council, said: “At Poynton Town Council we realise these works are going to cause considerable inconvenience to residents. Especially those who live on Woodford Road who will be effectively marooned from the rest of Poynton due to the bridge closure.

“Whilst Network Rail is maintaining access for people on foot and cycles we realise this may not help some residents who rely on their vehicles. Any residents experiencing hardship due to the bridge closure are encouraged to contact Poynton Town Council. We will do everything we can to assist residents during the works.”

David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, said: “It is good to see this investment taking place to upgrade this important local bridge. I hope that as many residents as possible will be able to take the time to find out more and ask any questions they may have at the public drop-in session on 12 June.”

Work to replace the bridge will take place during a combination of day and night time shifts. 

Network Rail has written to residents and will continue to keep people informed throughout the project.