Iconic Greater Manchester landmark and heritage gem could become ‘safety risk’ without vital repairs

It’s been an iconic landmark for more than 180 years but Stockport Viaduct could become the town’s biggest hazard if vital repairs aren’t completed soon.

Network Rail has shared plans for a range of work that needs to be completed at the famous structure as part of a new planning application. It includes repairs to crumbling brickwork, known as spalling, which could “present a safety risk to people and property below” due to the height of the 19th century railway line which stands 33 metres tall.

The plans submitted to Stockport council states that the damage at the site “may affect its load bearing capacity” if not treated, due to “multiple defects” across the structure. The damage is considered to have come about due to the age of the structure and natural deterioration. Other work required includes clearing drainage gutters and vegetation, aiming to “remediate areas of brickwork deterioration to remove hazards and improve the aesthetics of this important listed structure.”

The repairs are considered “essential” by Network Rail which has invested nearly £1 million over the next two years as part of the Viaduct’s maintenance programme. A Network Rail spokesperson said: “This planned investment will ensure we’re keeping this important heritage asset in tip top condition for years to come.”

The Grade II-listed structure was built in December 1840 for the Manchester and Birmingham Railway Company, with the first train crossing in July 1841.  It was expanded in 1890 to accommodate four tracks instead of two, allowing slower trains to be overtaken on the line.

It carries the West Coast Main Line across the River Mersey, between Stockport station and Heaton Chapel station, and onwards to Manchester Piccadilly station. In recent years, there have been calls to improve the aesthetics of the structure which is an important symbol of the town.

Below the Viaduct, a number of development projects are taking place in central Stockport to transform the town’s brownfield sites into new homes and services, including the new multi-million pound transport interchange which is set to open in spring.