Network Rail makes planning application for remedial repairs to 19th century Stockport Viaduct

A planning application has been submitted by Network Rail to conduct remedial repairs to Stockport Viaduct, built in the 19 th century.Stockport viaduct is a 27 span brick arch structure, located in the centre of Stockport, north of Stockport railway station. It carries the West Coast Main line across the River Mersey, between Stockport station and Heaton Chapel station, and onwards to Manchester Piccadilly station.The current Grade-II viaduct is formed of two different viaducts, one completed in 1840 and the extension which was completed in 1889. It was designed by George Watson Buck in consultation with architect John Lowe for the Manchester and Birmingham Railway Company.Network Rail is seeking permission from Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council to conduct repairs. It reports that “multiple defects are now present across the structure, which if left may affect its load bearing capacity”.The organisation’s planned repair schedule would include the remediation of areas of brickwork deterioration to remove hazards and improve the aesthetics of this important listed structure.Vegetation removal, cleaning of drainage gutters, graffiti removal, removal of spalled material and replacement of units which are deeply spalled and core testing of historic drains will also be conducted under the planned programme of work.Network Rail’s planning application submitted to states: “Other defects such as typical spalling is present, due to the height of the viaduct these can present a safety risk to people and property below.”Structural work on the viaduct will be completed in conjunction with a planned programme of work on the Greek Street bridge over the railway line on the southern approach to Stockport station. Network Rail will further look to complete its remediation work on Stockport Viaduct to compliment the delivery of a new transport interchange planned to open in Stockport later this year.Like what you’ve read?