Media centre

Tuesday 21 Jan 2025

£1million restoration for the iconic Stockport Viaduct

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

The Grade II* listed Stockport Viaduct is getting a revamp.

Built in 1840, the viaduct carries almost 400* trains every day between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly. 

Last year, Network Rail started the project to remove overgrowing vegetation, clean away graffiti and carry out extensive repairs to the viaduct’s 11 million bricks. So far, 23 of the viaduct’s 26 spans have received the VIP treatment.

The 550-metre long, 34-metre tall viaduct crosses the M60 and River Mersey. Engineers will abseil down the viaduct above the motorway to carry out work to the remaining arches.

To carry out this work safely, from Monday 17 February – Sunday 2 March 2025 the M60 will close between J27 and J1 in both directions. For 13 nights, the road under the viaduct will close at 10pm and open at 6am. Diversionary routes will be clearly signposted. 

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."”

Network Rail is also informing the people of Stockport about work to replace the Greek Street bridge which takes cars over the West Coast main line between Edgeley and Stockport town centre.

Residents and passengers are advised to visit www.networkrail.co.uk/greekstreet to stay informed of the project.