Media centre

Thursday 8 Oct 2020

Passengers reminded of railway closure next month for High Peak rail bridge upgrades

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Passengers and residents in Whaley Bridge are being advised about changes to rail journeys next month during essential upgrade work to two railway bridges.

The maintenance will see the structures in the town made safe and reliable to secure the future of its railway line.

Reservoir Road bridge will be rebuilt and the bridge carrying the railway over Bridgemont will have new waterproofing installed as part of a £3m Great North Rail Project investment.

For the work to be carried out, some road closures, car park closures and a closure of the railway line itself will be needed.

The railway through Whaley Bridge will be closed on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, with Northern operating replacement bus services to keep people moving.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead in advance by checking www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Calum Gardner, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “The work on these two railway bridges as part of the Great North Rail Project will secure the future of the railway through Whaley Bridge for decades to come.

“As with any major project like this there will be some disruption for local people.  We have been working closely with High Peak Borough Council on our plans and thank passengers, road users and the local community in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.  I'd urge anyone planning to travel on the weekend of the 7 and 8 November to allow extra time for their journey and check www.nationalrail.co.uk before they travel. ”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The improvement and repair work will have a significant positive impact for our customers in and around Whaley Bridge.

“Though there will be some disruption, this vital work will futureproof services in the area and will give our customers a more resilient railway.

“We continue to work closely with colleagues across the rail industry to minimise any disruption caused and will provide rail replacement transport to ensure those who rely on our services are still able to get where they need to be.”

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: “This investment in improving the infrastructure will safeguard this route which is a vital link both between towns within the High Peak and to and from Manchester.

“With any major work of this nature some disruption is unavoidable and I welcome the measures our partners have put in place to minimise this and to engage and work with the local community where possible.”

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said: "I'm pleased that Network Rail has announced the upgrade of these two essential bridges.

"It’s important that we continue to invest in improving and maintaining our local environment and infrastructure for years to come."

Passengers are advised to plan ahead of the railway bridge upgrades and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk