No trains will run to or from Stockport railway station for the most of August due to vital bridge repair work, it has been announced, with service changes also likely to hit a number of other Greater Manchester stations including Piccadilly and Oxford Road . During a 21-day rail line closure period, there will also be no train services on the line between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Piccadilly, Network Rail said. The ongoing 拢20m investment in the Greek Street bridge in Stockport will mean the closure of the Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line. The 67-year-old bridge is being demolished and rebuilt over 21 days between August 2 and August 22 – when the rail line will close – in what is being described as ‘a once-in-a-lifetime project’. Built in 1958, the 67-year-old structure has ‘reached the end of its life, added Network Rail. On it sits a four-way roundabout which carries traffic over the West Coast mainline next to Stockport station. It is a key traffic route between the town centre, Shaw Heath and Edgeley, including Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground. “During that time no trains will be able to run through Stockport with rail replacement buses in operation. The railway will reopen the morning of the 23 August,” said a statement. “Passengers are advised to plan their journey on the National Rail Enquires website, where they can find information about how their specific services are affected. “The effects of the closure are far-reaching because of the critical location of the bridge. During the closure, there will be no train services on the line between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Piccadilly, and no train services on other lines into Stockport. “Where possible, services are being diverted around Stockport.” Join our Traffic and Travel WhatsApp group HERE The modern structure will last for up to 120 years, said Network Rail. Avanti West Coast, which operates trains to London and Stoke on the West Coast Main Line, said replacement buses would be laid on. Lisa Magee, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stockport, said: “While there鈥檒l be no trains to or from Stockport for 21 days, the station’s ticket office and underpass will be open as normal during this period and the Avanti West Coast team will be on hand to support those making journeys via rail replacement bus. “We鈥檇 like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while this major work takes place. We strongly advise customers to plan ahead, leave extra time for their journeys, and check the National Rail website, as well as with their train operator for the latest updates.” William Brandon, Network Rail鈥檚 project manager, said: “The work to strengthen Stockport is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make train journeys on the Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line safer and more reliable. I understand that closing the railway through Stockport for 21 days will be inconvenient to our passengers, and I am sorry about this. “Between August 2 and the morning of August 23, I鈥檇 advise passengers to plan ahead and allow extra travel time for their journey. “We have worked closely with train operators, Transport for Greater Manchester and Stockport Council on the best alternative travel plan possible for a closure of this size. I鈥檇 advise you to check your specific journey on National Rail Enquiries website to understand exactly how your services will be affected.鈥 In March 2025, the Greek Street roundabout, that sits on top of the structure, was closed to traffic. Since then, Murphy, the contractor working on behalf of Network Rail, has been preparing the site for the rebuild. Network Rail added: “In the weeks preceding the closure, the team will complete the utility diversions and deconstruct the road layer of the bridge. Once the bridge is ready to be replaced, two large cranes will be built on site ready to demolish and replace the bridge.” Stephen Rhodes, TfGM鈥檚 director of bus, said: “The replacement of the Greek Street bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime moment to ensure the safety of road and rail users for generations to come. With a project of this scale there will always be disruption and by working closely with our partners we are looking to minimise this as much as we can and keep everyone on the move. “When the rail line is closed in August we鈥檒l be accepting rail tickets on Bee Network buses in the area to help reduce the impact of the closure and make sure people can get where they need to be.” There will be changes to services at the following stations