Network Rail has raised two railway bridges between Manchester and Stalybridge to provide sufficient clearance for the installation of overhead electric wires as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

The bridges are in Southampton Street and Granville Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, and were raised to allow the use of electric trains on the route, which will help to create a cleaner, greener railway.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion-pound programme that aims to deliver cleaner, greener journeys between York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester. Once complete, passengers can expect more seats, faster journey times, and a more reliable railway.

Work to install new overhead line equipment, upgrade signalling equipment, and renew sections of track between Manchester and Stalybridge is also well underway.

Until Tuesday, 3rd May, there will be no trains between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge as work continues.

Passengers are urged to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Buses will replace Northern trains between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge over the weekend, whilst TransPennine Express trains to Manchester Victoria will be diverted into Manchester Piccadilly.

The upgrades will also continue over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend. Passengers can check their journey in advance at http://nationalrail.co.uk/Jubilee.

Newly released footage shows engineers lifting a section of Granville Street bridge and moving it to its final destination.

Neil Holm, Transpennine Route Upgrade Director for Network Rail, said:

“The work we’re currently doing in Manchester is a crucial step towards transforming train journeys for passengers travelling between York and Manchester.

“I’d like to thank everyone for being patient with us so far and ask passengers to plan ahead this Early May Bank Holiday as we continue this vital work.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express, said:

“As crucial improvement work continues on the Transpennine Route Upgrade this bank holiday weekend and also on weekends during May, there will be a number of service alterations for TransPennine Express services.

“Passengers are advised to allow for additional time to travel and to check carefully for the latest travel advice before they travel on our website here.

Updates will also be available on our social media channels.

“In addition, extra support will be available for passengers from Customer Delivery Managers who will be on hand to assist passengers with their journeys.”