Media centre

Monday 14 Jan 2019

Manchester city centre bridges to be restored to Victorian splendour

Region & Route:

North West & Central

A project to refurbish three historic railway bridges over streets in Manchester city centre will begin this week.

The three Grade II listed bridge structures over Great Ducie Street and Victoria Street, to the west of Manchester Victoria station, are being repaired, deep cleaned and painted as part of the Great North Rail Project.

The bridges will be grit blasted to expose the metal structures, allowing engineers to carry out vital repairs before repainting them to their former glory.

To complete the work safely, a series of road closures are needed and scaffolding will be installed beneath and around the bridges. To facilitate the work, Mirabel Street has been closed at the Victoria Street junction and from today (Monday 14 January), Victoria Street beneath the railway bridges will be reduced from three lanes to two and until the end of June 2019.

Additionally, two full road closures of Victoria Street will be implemented from 8 February to 27 February and from 3 May to 20 May 2019.

While diversions will be in place during the road closures, trains will continue to run as normal.

Sarah Padmore, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “As part of the Great North Rail Project, we are carrying out vital repair work to three bridge structures which support the railway on the western side of Manchester Victoria station.

“We have been working closely with Manchester City Council on our plans, which will see the historic structures refreshed for the benefit of passengers and the local community.

“We thank the local community and road users in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.”

Manchester City Council's executive member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, Councillor Angeliki Stogia, said: "This Network Rail scheme will see three of the city's historic bridges restored to their original Victorian splendour. Public consultation has revealed widespread support from local residents and businesses for this work, which will help to protect and promote the heritage of this historic and characterful quarter of our city."

During the full road closures, a diversion will be in operation and will be clearly signposted. Access for pedestrians will remain open throughout the work.