Network Rail Announces Major West Coast Main Line Upgrade

Network Rail will close a key section of the West Coast Main Line for three weeks in August to complete $55 million in upgrades across Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The project starts on August 2 and runs through August 23, focusing on multiple sites along nearly 50 miles of track. Crews will replace the Greek Street roundabout bridge near Stockport station, a critical $26 million investment.

Network Rail Confirms Key Infrastructure Projects

Additional work includes strengthening the River Trent Viaduct in Stone, improving overhead power supply in Stockport, and replacing points in Macclesfield. Teams will also renew tracks in Stone, Hixon, and Congleton and add a new footbridge at Longport.

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Further upgrades involve drainage improvements in Trentham and platform enhancements at Poynton station. Crews will carry out essential maintenance, such as level crossing safety improvements and signal box updates, to boost overall reliability.

Network Rail Advises Travelers to Plan Ahead

By condensing the work into three weeks, Network Rail reduces long-term disruption and saves costs for taxpayers. The timing during school summer holidays helps minimize inconvenience when fewer passengers travel.

Passengers should note there will be no services between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester during the closure. Replacement buses and diversionary routes will be available, but travelers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk for updates.

Christian Irwin OBE, Capital Delivery Director, emphasized the importance of this investment: “We know closures affect plans, so we worked to maximize this rare opportunity. These upgrades will improve reliability for decades.”

The combined improvements reflect a strategic effort to enhance efficiency and safety on one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors, ensuring faster and more reliable travel for passengers and freight.

Source, photo: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

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