Three Weeks Without Trains: Stockport Closure to Disrupt Key UK Rail Routes
Rail services through Stockport will be fully suspended from 2 to 22 August due to the demolition and replacement of the Greek Street bridge. The closure will interrupt all train traffic on the Manchester branch of the West Coast Main Line for 21 days, with services scheduled to resume on the morning of 23 August. Travellers are urged to plan in advance and check route updates before departure.
The bridge, originally built in 1958, is being replaced as part of a £20 million infrastructure overhaul. Work began earlier this year, with engineers relocating utilities and closing the Greek Street roundabout. Two cranes will be installed on site to remove the current structure and position a new one, intended to serve the rail network for over a century with reduced need for emergency repairs.
The closure will affect a wide section of the network, including long-distance and local services. Key changes during the works include:
- Suspension of trains to Manchester Piccadilly and Stoke-on-Trent
- Affected connections to London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street
- Likely delays through Wilmslow, Macclesfield, and Hazel Grove
- Rail replacement buses on selected routes
- Temporary ticket acceptance on Bee Network buses and Metrolink trams in Greater Manchester
Travellers are likely to face extended journey durations and will need to depend more heavily on substitute travel options.
If you’re heading out this summer, don’t be surprised if your train plans hit a few snags since weekends and holiday periods will be especially challenging. Reduced availability and altered timetables will affect popular routes across the North West and beyond. National Rail recommends checking journey details regularly and allowing extra time for transfers or delays during this period.
We have worked closely with train operators, Transport for Greater Manchester and Stockport Council on the best alternative travel plan possible for a closure of this size. I’d advise you to check your specific journey on National Rail Enquiries website to understand exactly how your services will be affected.
This large-scale infrastructure project reflects the impact that essential maintenance can have on day-to-day travel. While the improvements aim to support long-term reliability, the immediate effect for passengers is clear: re-routed trips, fewer direct services, and the need for flexibility. Travellers should stay informed and adjust plans accordingly to navigate this major disruption.