The second phase of a multi-million-pound project to secure land next to the West Coast Main Line in Stoke on Trent will begin next month.

The £4m investment will stop a residential street from slowly edging into a railway cutting, next to the west coast main line.

Last year, Network Rail engineers completed emergency work to West Parade after cracks appeared on the road surface.

Now, steel rods will be drilled into the railway bank to secure the land from more movement.

Emma Gray, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We’re looking forward to going back to West Parade in Stoke-on-Trent to finish off the important work to secure the road for residents and also protect the West Coast main line for passengers.

“While we’ve planned the Railway Upgrade Plan work to keep trains running and passengers moving as much as possible, the work does require some road and railway closures. I’d urge passengers to check National Rail Enquiries before they travel, and I’d like to thank passengers and residents for their patience in advance.”

During 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 September, some trains will be diverted and rail replacement buses will be in operation between:

• Stafford – Stoke-on-Trent – Macclesfield
• Stoke-on-Trent – Macclesfield – Stockport

To make sure that enough room is available to allow the work to be completed, a half road closure of West Parade will be needed from 7 September until 4 December 2020.

Gus Dunster, executive director of operations at Avanti West Coast, said: “As Network Rail delivers the next phase of their Railway Upgrade Plan, there will be alterations to our weekend services to and from Stoke-on-Trent. We are working closely with Network Rail as they carry out these vital works on the West Coast mainline to minimise the impact to journeys during this time and strongly recommend you make a reservation, plan your journey in advance and check before you travel.”

John Robson, regional director for CrossCountry, said: “We know weekend engineering work can be an inconvenience and have worked closely with Network Rail to minimise the impact and complete this in the shortest time possible. We are sorry if any of our customers’ journeys are affected. However, when complete this will ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of our services on this line for many years to come.”

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