Greek Street roundabout reopens in Stockport after major bridge upgrade
Completing the upgrade involved significant civil engineering work over a year
Greek Street roundabout in Stockport has reopened after extensive upgrades, including the replacement of the railway bridge supporting the junction over the West Coast Main Line.
Network Rail invested £20 million to replace the former 67-year-old Greek Street bridge, securing the infrastructure for the next 120 years.
Traffic restrictions were lifted yesterday evening, allowing vehicles to flow smoothly through the major junction linking Stockport to Edgeley.
The bridge replacement involved lifting 51 structural elements during a 21-day railway closure last August.
Subsequent work reinstated the carriageway and utilities, clearing the path for reopening.
Ahead of the reopening, local schoolchildren attended road safety lessons, while business owners met with the project team to understand the upgrade's impact.
The transformation marks a critical step in Network Rail’s wider investment in the West Coast Main Line.
"Seeing traffic running smoothly once more at Greek Street is a proud moment for us all who've been working on this project for many years," Patrick Vallely, Network Rail Capital Delivery head of Buildings and Civils, said.
Mosaics from the old bridge were preserved and unveiled as part of the new structure, adding a nod to the past while embracing the future.
Councillor Mark Roberts highlighted the importance of this development for Stockport's transport network, envisioning benefits encompassing residents, commuters, and local businesses.
"This was essential maintenance work that couldn't be avoided," Roberts said.
Further improvements under Network Rail's £400 million programme will impact Europe's busiest mixed-use passenger and freight railway lines over the coming year.
A community celebration event on Castle Street is scheduled for today, to mark this infrastructure milestone and celebrate the Edgeley community.