Stockport's historic viaduct set for repairs after safety fears

Stockport Viaduct's "crumbling brickwork" could be a risk to "people and property below"

A landmark viaduct in Greater Manchester could become a safety risk if repairs are not completed soon, Network Rail has warned.

The rail body said Stockport Viaduct's "crumbling brickwork" could be a risk to "people and property below".

It said the damage may affect the 180-year-old structure's load-bearing capacity due to various defects.

Network Rail has invested nearly £1m in the project over the next two years.

Details of proposed work have been shared in a planning application submitted to Stockport Council.

It includes clearing drainage gutters and vegetation, to "remove hazards and improve the aesthetics" of the viaduct, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Heritage asset'

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "This planned investment will ensure we're keeping this important heritage asset in tip-top condition for years to come."

The Grade II-listed structure was built in December 1840 for the Manchester and Birmingham Railway Company, with the first train crossing in July 1841.

It was expanded in 1890 to accommodate four tracks instead of two, allowing slower trains to be overtaken on the line.

It carries the West Coast Main Line across the River Mersey, between Stockport station and Heaton Chapel station and onwards to Manchester Piccadilly station.

Below the viaduct several development projects are taking place in central Stockport to transform the town's brownfield sites into new homes and services

In recent years, there have been calls to improve the aesthetics of the structure which is an important symbol of the town.