Engineering works on the West Coast Mainline are affecting journeys from Crewe northwards towards Manchester.

In a major operation which commenced on Saturday 2 August, workers from Network Rail have started to replace a key bridge over the railway near Stockport.

It means that no trains at all will run through Stockport until Saturday 23 August.

This has affected a number of services from Crewe which pass through Stockport and onto Manchester.

In July, rail operator Northern released the following map showing the local lines which will be affected while works are carried out.

(Image - Northern Rail)

Whilst some services will still be running from Crewe to Manchester, they'll be taking the Heald Green route which avoids stations like Handforth, Cheadle Hulme, and of course Stockport itself.

Find more details on the Northern Rail website here.

A Network Rail said the engineering works will 'improve the railway network near and far'.

As well as the bridge replacement near Stockport, the company will also carry out a further £23m in upgrades along the West Coast Mainline.

These other upgrades include power line strengthening, track renewals, and more.

Network Rail said that getting upgrades done in one fell swoop saves taxpayer money and is more efficient. "The alternative is years of disruptive weekend or overnight working to deliver the same benefits for passengers and freight", the spokesperson added.

Passengers from Crewe are encouraged to check before they travel (Image - Nub News)

The three week window of closures will allow time for a 'meticulously-planned' operation. Engineers have already 'rehearsed' installing the bridge at a test facility in Ireland, using the same parts.

William Brandon, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: "I'd urge people to check National Rail Enquiries if planning to travel between 2-23 August while the railway through Stockport is totally closed so we can safely carry out our major railway bridge upgrade."

Paul Williams, Murphy senior engineering manager, said: "Completing the construction 'dress rehearsal' enabled us to fully test our installation methodology prior to installing the new Greek Street bridge for real. As a result of this test, we changed the sequence in which we'll crane the sections into position in order to maximise the efficiency of our works during the closure.

"We look forward to completing these upgrades and improving transport links across the area."~

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