Faster, more frequent train services for the north-west are a step closer after Network Rail completed work to rebuild a railway bridge in Ashton-under-Lyne more than three weeks ahead of schedule.
The bridge at Mossley Road was shut on 27 July 2015 for reconstruction to provide enough clearance for overhead lines to be installed to power the electric trains which will pass underneath it. Bridge rebuilds are an essential part of the electrification of the railway between Manchester and Stalybridge which will provide passengers with a faster, more reliable and efficient railway.
Aisling Wall, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “The new bridges being built in the area are an important part of our Railway Upgrade Plan which is delivering an electrified railway across large parts of the north west of England. It will provide passengers with better rail services which are faster, greener and more frequent as well as helping to boost the region’s economy. I would like to thank residents and motorists for their patience while we completed this essential work.”
Network Rail has now reconstructed four road bridges in Ashton-under-Lyne and lowered sections of track under a number of bridges as part of work required for electrification.
Councillor Peter Robinson said: “I am delighted to re-open another bridge in Tameside ahead of schedule as part of this key infrastructure project. I would like to thank Network Rail and J.Murphy & Sons for all of their hard work, the team on site have been a pleasure to work with.”
The new bridges will not need any major work for over 100 years, benefitting the local road and rail network with limited future maintenance. Electrification of the railway between Manchester and Stalybridge is part of a £1bn investment to improve the rail network and helping to support economic growth across the north west of England.
