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Thursday 5 Nov 2020

Passengers reminded of railway closure this weekend 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 and road closures on the 7 and 8 of November 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 this weekend, some road closures, car park closures and a closure of the railway line itself will be needed.*

Businesses in Whaley Bridge will be trading as normal for customers during the planned road closures.

Train operator Northern will run replacement bus services to keep people moving while the railway is closed.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead 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 future proof 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.

“Work on this scale inevitably results in some disruption but we’re working with partners to minimise this and to retain public transport replacement services so people can continue to visit Whaley Bridge. This work does not affect local businesses which will remain open throughout – so please support your local traders and businesses.”

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."

Meanwhile, passengers are asked to continue following Government guidance around the use of public transport.

Travellers must wear a face covering on train services and any replacement bus services. Those who fail to do so risk being fined £200.

However, some people are exempt, including young children and people with hidden disabilities or breathing difficulties.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

Passengers can plan their journeys by checking www.nationalrail.co.uk.