‘Future-proofed’ bridge to replace vital station
PLANS to replace a ‘vital’ road bridge near Stockport station with a ‘futureproofed’, Metrolink-ready structure have taken a step forward.
Greek Street bridge supports the Armoury roundabout over the rail line and connects Edgeley with the town centre.
Network Rail has made the council aware the bridge has a limited life span and has secured funding to deliver a likefor-like replacement by March 2024.
The possibility of repairing the structure to extend its lifespan was explored, but not found to be financially viable.
Replacing the bridge is a key priority both in the Stockport Station Growth Prospectus – and town hall chiefs have now indicated their preferred option.
They considered three potential fixes at a cabinet meeting this week before backing what is described as the ‘offline’ option.
Costing between £23m and £28m, this solution allows the existing bridge to be replaced whilst also providing a route adjacent to the new structure for potential future Metrolink services.
The new bridge would sit to the south of the current Greek Street bridge, allowing construction of the new crossing prior to demolition of the existing structure.
This would ensure one of these bridges was available to motorists throughout the works, helping to minimise disruption.
It would also make the new bridge ‘futur-proofed’ for Metrolink by providing an additional structure to its west.
Council papers warn this will still lead to ‘notable disruption’ during construction – but less than the alternatives, which both involve replacement of the bridge and the Armoury roundabout at their current location.
However Coun Sheila Bailey questioned why cabinet was recommending an option, when the report advised members to ‘note the Network Rail intention to replace the Greek Street Bridge ‘like for like’.
She said: “What I’m trying to get to is, it’s their bridge, they are responsible for it – who makes the decision, ultimately, about how that bridge will be replaced?” she said.
“I’m slightly confused about what we are asking if the decision is Network Rail’s and they have decided what they are going to do.”
However council leader Elise Wilson said the project was a ‘joint endeavour’ between three organisations.
She added: “It isn’t simply a matter for Network Rail. We are trying to work with Transport for Greater Manchester and the council and the combined authority to ensure we get the right solution in place.
“There are continuing conversations being had about it.”
She also told the meeting: “It is my understanding that the commitment to bring Metrolink to Stockport is there. Therefore we need to ensure an upgrade is futureproofed to ensure we can do the plans as set out.
“It is to upgrade the bridge so we can ensure that we can get the Metrolink through and we are ensuring the longevity of Stockport station as all of these things are clearly linked to the station itself.”
The council will now enter into a delivery agreement with Network Rail to progress on options and designs.
Officers will also work with TfGM to seek the release of development funding, including £7m from the Transforming Cities Fund 2.
Stockport council’s cabinet met on Tuesday June 29.