Final phase of £1m historical viaduct revamp

Network Rail started extensive repairs to the viaduct last year

The final stage of a £1m revamp of a Grade II listed viaduct will take place next month.

Built in 1840, the Stockport Viaduct, which crosses the M60 and River Mersey, carries almost 400 trains every day between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly.

Last year, Network Rail started removing overgrowing vegetation, clean away graffiti and carry out extensive repairs to the viaduct's 11 million bricks.

Engineers will abseil down the viaduct above the M60 to do the necessary work to the remaining arches. To carry it out safely, part of the motorway will close in both directions from 22:00 GMT and 06:00 from 17 February and 2 March.

The landmark was built in December 1840 for the Manchester and Birmingham Railway Company, with the first train crossing in July 1841.

Rob Stephens, principal route engineer for the North West route, said: "The final stage of the project will take place this February, as we want to make sure the night time road closure causes as little inconvenience as possible for the people of Stockport.

"The recent work means the overall appearance of the viaduct is much improved, but it also reduces the risk of damage caused by overgrown vegetation and graffiti.

"Managing plant growth on viaducts such as this is important in maintaining train performance as trees and shrubs can obscure signals and interfere with the overhead lines that power trains."