A massive infrastructure project is about to finish on schedule
Councillors have welcomed the update
The Greek Street roundabout in Stockport will be reopen on March 27 following 12 months of works, Network Rail has confirmed.
A major project has been taking place at the roundabout to replace the ageing bridge which ran over the West Coast Main Line, a route which serves trains between Manchester and London.
The enormous £20m project saw Network Rail and its contractor partner Murphy replace the bridge during a 21-day closure of the railway in August. It also saw year-long road closures on the key roundabout interchange, including on Greek Street and Mercian Way.
Around 200 concrete beams on the previous 67-year-old structure were removed using two giant crawler cranes. The new bridge sections were then inched into position across a 60m gap above the tracks, with a concrete deck poured on top.
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It means the roundabout will reopen on Friday, March 27, one year on from its closure on March 31, 2025. Hannah Clarke, Network Rail sponsor, said: “We would like to thank the Stockport community for their patience while we have been completing this vital work.
“The replacement of Greek Street bridge will futureproof this section of the railway and the road above it for decades to come. We would also like to say thank you to all of our partners for their support during this project.”
The new structure has an expected lifespan of around 120 years.
Stockport council leader Mark Roberts said: “The reopening of Greek Street Bridge marks a really important moment for Stockport. Not only will it restore a key route for residents, commuters and businesses, but it also strengthens the foundations we’re putting in place for the borough’s future.
The old bridge has been replaced(Image: Network Rail)
“Reopening the road is another step forward in our wider transport vision for Stockport. It supports our long‑term ambitions for Metrolink and the improved connectivity it will bring. We’re committed to building a transport network that works for everyone, and this milestone brings us closer to achieving that.”
Coun Grace Baynham, Stockport’s cabinet member for parks, highways and transport services, said: “I’m delighted that the Greek Street Bridge works remain on schedule and that we’ll be able to reopen the road on 27 March as planned.
“We have used the opportunity presented by the closure to renew and improve the infrastructure on and around the bridge, as well as working with Network Rail to futureproof the structure for potential tram train options in the years ahead.
“This has been a major project and I want to sincerely thank residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding while the essential work has taken place. Your support has been invaluable in helping us reach this point.”
Councillors in Edgeley said there will be changes on the new roundabout when it reopens next month, including ‘four new zebra crossings’ and ‘more room for pedestrians to get around’.
Posting on social media, councillors Matt Wynne and Asa Caton from the Edgeley Community Association described the work as ‘an incredible piece of engineering’.
They added in the post: “We are working on an exact date for a community open day for the residents of Stockport to walk around it, meet some of the engineers involved in the project and enjoy this piece of infrastructure before it opens back up to general traffic.”