Essential safety upgrades for Longport footbridge this summer

Network Rail will begin a major £1.4 million upgrade of the footbridge at Longport station this summer to improve safety for passengers and pedestrians and enhance the long-term resilience of the structure for years to come.

From 26 July to 14 September, engineers will carry out essential repairs to the bridge, which crosses two electrified tracks at Station Street, Stoke-on-Trent.

While this work is taking place, a full signposted diversionary route will be in place for passengers to access both platforms.

The work includes:

• Replacing damaged parapets and stair units
• Upgrading lighting on the bridge
• Relocating cable trays away from overhead lines
• Repainting the steel structure to prevent further corrosion

The bridge has suffered significant wear and tear over time, so a glow up is definitely needed! The repainting and lighting upgrades will also improve visibility and safety for users, particularly during darker hours.

Cathleen Meehan, scheme project manager at Network Rail said:
“This investment will make a real difference to everyone using the footbridge at Longport. By tackling long-standing structural issues and improving lighting, we’re making the bridge safer and more resilient for years to come.

“We’d like to thank local residents and passengers for their patience while we carry out this important work.”

Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at East Midlands Railway said: “We are advising any customers travelling to or from Longport railway station between Saturday 26 July and Sunday 14 September to allow extra time to get to the station before travelling.

“Network Rail will be carrying out essential safety upgrade to the footbridge and this will mean a diversionary route of up to 9 minutes will be in place to change between platforms 1 and 2.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience while this important work takes place. Once complete, the improvements will make the station safer in the future.”

Between 2 August and the morning of 23 August 2025, there will be no trains through Stockport while Network Rail replaces the bridge that takes the Greek Street roundabout over the West Coast Main Line. Some services will be diverted, while others will be replaced with buses. Network Rail will also use this opportunity to carry out additional rail upgrades in the surrounding areas while lines are shut. If you would like more information about this closure please visit https://www.networkrail.co.uk/greekstreet.

Passengers are advised to check their journeys before they travel on the National Rail Enquiries website.