![\"Network](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1_Derailed-train-scene.jpg\")
Network rail teams begin to the groundwork on Sidmouth street, Audenshaw(Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\nThe train derailment led to chaos in the areaNetwork rail teams begin to the groundwork on Sidmouth street, Audenshaw(Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n
Normality is set to return to a street that was cut in half by a train crash last year.<\/p>\n
The trouble started when a freight train came off the tracks in Audenshaw in September<\/a>. Nine of the train’s 24 wagons derailed in total, with the last one coming to a standstill on a bridge near Sidmouth Street.<\/p>\n At the time the area was ‘like a crime scene’, according to locals<\/a>.<\/p>\n The aftermath of the wagons coming off the tracks on the Stockport<\/a> to Stalybridge<\/a> line led to the area being closed off whilst rail operators cleared up. This effectively cut the street in half.<\/p>\n Trains were back up and running on the tracks fairly quickly, but the footpath under the bridge locals use to get to the shops has been shut off ever since.<\/p>\n Network Rail explained back in January that the repairs to make the underpass safe were taking longer than expected. Despite frustrations over the delays, the railway bosses have now confirmed an end to the closure in July.<\/p>\n A Network Rail spokesperson said: \u201cThe work to repair the footpath for the bridge at Audenshaw is due to be complete at the end of July and we have written to the local residents to inform them of this.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are extremely grateful to the Audenshaw community for their patience.\u201d<\/p>\n Given the number of elderly people living in the area, the alternative route via the busy Audenshaw Road is not a pleasant one. For slower walkers, taking the longer route round – rather than the direct route under the bridge – can add 10 minutes onto a short journey to the nearest shop.<\/p>\n Resident Joe Hart was one of those affected by the disruption.<\/p>\n Speaking on the issue previously, he said: \u201cIt\u2019s a real nuisance. I\u2019m not good on my legs and there are a few older people around here that struggle.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m having to get taxis I can\u2019t afford because of the rerouting. We\u2019re not getting any info, that\u2019s the trouble. They told us trains are running and this will happen later on.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery morning I wake up and look to see if it\u2019s gone – but it never is.\u201d<\/p>\n The 80-year-old explained that his nearest bus stop was just under the bridge on the other side of the memorial garden, which is a mere 100m from his doorstep. The other bus stop on Audenshaw Road is a much longer walk for Joe.<\/p>\n His neighbour a few doors down, Judith Taylor, had the exact same issue.<\/p>\n The pensioner said previously: \u201cI go through to get the bus regularly. Now I have to go all the way around.<\/p>\n![\"Blocked](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1_Blocked-passage-of-Sidmouth-Street-that-runs-under-the-railway-bridge-in-Audenshaw.jpg\")
Blocked passage of Sidmouth Street that runs under the railway bridge in Audenshaw(Image: LDRS)<\/p>\n![\"Joe](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_Joe-Hart-80-a-Sidmouth-Sreet-resident.jpg\")
Joe Hart, 80, a Sidmouth Street resident(Image: LDRS)<\/p>\n![\"Judith](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_Judith-Taylor-a-Sidmouth-Sreet-resident.jpg\")
Judith Taylor, a Sidmouth Street resident(Image: LDRS)<\/p>\n