Stockport

The M60 is set to close for almost two weeks as Stockport Viaduct undergoes £1m revamp

She's due a little facelift.

Daisy Jackson - 23rd January 2025

The Grade II-listed Stockport Viaduct is undergoing a £1m restoration, which will see part of the M60 close for almost a fortnight.

The huge structure, which towers over the town, carries almost 400 trains every day between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly.

Dating all the way back to 1840 and standing at 34 metres tall, Stockport Viaduct has been slowly undergoing improvement works, including removing overgrowing vegetation, cleaning grafitti, and repairing some of the viaduct’s 11 million bricks.

Since last year that work’s already taken place on 23 of the 26 spans, but now the M60 will need to close that engineers can complete the revamp.

The busy motorway will be shut in both directions between J27 and J1 from Monday 17 February until Sunday 2 March, closing at 10pm and reopening at 6am.

Rob Stephens, principal route engineer for the North West route, said: “Stockport Viaduct is an important piece of cultural heritage for the railway and the Stockport community. We are proud to be responsible for its upkeep.

“The final stage of the project will take place this February, as we want to make sure the nighttime 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.”

The M60 is set to close for almost two weeks as Stockport Viaduct undergoes £1m revamp. Credit: Network Rail

Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “Stockport Viaduct is an iconic feature of our town and it is great that Network Rail has been carrying out the restoration of this much loved structure.

“With the £1billion regeneration of our town centre continuing apace, it’s even more important that our historical, listed, landmarks look their absolute best.

“I’m sure our residents and visitors have seen the improvement in the areas that have already been completed.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while this vital final section of the work is completed.”

Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, said: “I am delighted that Stockport Viaduct is being cleaned and repaired to its former glory. I have raised concerns in Parliament about the condition of the Viaduct and called for funding to cover cleaning, maintenance and repair costs to this impressive and essential infrastructure.

“I congratulate Network Rail for recognising and embarking on this huge revamp project, which will benefit people who live, work and travel through Stockport.”

Network Rail is also informing the people of Stockport about work to replace the Greek Street bridge which takes cars over the West Coast main line between Edgeley and Stockport town centre.

Residents and passengers are advised to visit www.networkrail.co.uk/greekstreet to stay informed of the project.

Featured image: Instagram, @memoirsofamancunian