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Friday 26 Apr 2019

Reminder of final road closure for restoration of Manchester city centre bridges

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Motorists are being reminded that a project to refurbish three historic railway bridges in Manchester city centre ramps up again next week.

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

The work will have an impact on road traffic through the area but trains will not be affected.

Scaffolding has been installed beneath and around the bridges, with the following road closures needed to complete the work safely.

• Victoria Street will be fully closed to road traffic from 3 May to 20 May 2019.
• Mirabel Street has been closed at the Victoria Street junction until the end of June 2019.

While diversions for traffic will be in place during the road closures, pedestrian access will not be affected and 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.

“To safely access and repair sections of the bridges directly above the road, we need to close Victoria Street once more.

“I’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank local people and road users in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.”

The bridges are being grit blasted to expose the metal structures, allowing engineers to carry out vital repairs before repainting them to their Victorian splendour.