No trains are set to run through Stockport station for three weeks this summer – here’s why

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No trains through Stockport station for 3 weeks in August

Commuters can expect some significant disruption to a major rail link this summer, as no trains are set to pass through Stockport train station for the best part of a month due to fairly sizeable maintenance works nearby.

As a result, those catching the trains in and around the North West will have to make do with alternative services, diversions and rail replacement buses for at least three weeks.

With the Stockport station ‘Masterplan‘ officially announced in 2024, the key Greater Manchester connection is set for a major overhaul in the coming years, with the aim of turning it into a “modern facility” fitting of the town’s ongoing resurgence.

First up, it seems, is the long overdue replacement of the Greek Street roundabout bridge, which was built back in 1958 and has been in need of updating for some time.

More details surrounding specific travel arrangements are set to be distributed to the public in the coming weeks, but Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have confirmed they will be accepting train tickets on Bee Network buses in the meantime.

While the ticket office and underpass between Edgeley and the recently regenerated Stockport Exchange will remain open, the station itself will be virtually out of operation for three weeks in August.

At present, the works are scheduled to last from Saturday, 2-23 August, so many of those travelling through the town during this time may need to make alternative arrangements.

Issuing an update late last month, Network Rail’s project manager William Brandon said: “The work to strengthen Stockport is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make train journeys on the Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line safer and more reliable.

“I understand that closing the railway through Stockport for 21 days will be inconvenient to our passengers, and I am sorry about this […] I’d advise passengers to plan ahead and allow extra travel time for their journey.”

The area in question. (Credit: Network Rail)

Network Rail clarified that while the Greek Street bridge is being demolished and the new one (which is set to last all the way up until 2145) is reinstalled, engineers have already been working closely with utility companies in the locale to safely divert gas, water, electricity and so on.

As for Avanti West Coast themselves, Stockport Station Manager, Lisa Magee, went on to add: “While there’ll be no trains to or from Stockport for 21 days […] Avanti West Coast teams will be on hand to support those making journeys via rail replacement bus.

“Together with Network Rail and other train operators, we’re finalising the timetable and will share more details in the coming weeks, so customers can plan their journeys in advance.”

“We’d like to thank customers for their patience and understanding, and as always, we strongly encourage them to check the National Rail website, as well as with their train operators, for the latest updates.”

This isn’t the only major travel update for SK announced as of late, either – something much bigger is coming to the borough as part of the Bee Network expansion.

Trams are officially coming to Stockport as part of £2.5bn investment package
It’s a huge deal.

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Featured Images — Stockport Council/Smabs Sputzer (via Flickr)