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Friday 18 Sep 2020

Public invited to learn more about High Peak rail bridge upgrades this autumn

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Passengers and residents in Whaley Bridge are being informed about work to upgrade two railway bridges this autumn.

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

Reservoir Road bridge in Whaley Bridge town centre 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*.

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. I’d urge anyone who could be affected to book an appointment to come and talk to us about the project and find out about the possible impact it could have on them.”

Network Rail has invited residents and businesses to find out more about the work between 3pm and 6pm on Wednesday 23 September.

Anyone wanting to attend must book an appointment by emailing CRNW@networkrail.co.uk.

This is to comply with COVID-19 government guidance.

Network Rail is working closely with High Peak Borough Council and train operator Northern to deliver this essential maintenance work.

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.”

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.”

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