Key Points
- There will be no train services between Manchester and Stockport on Sunday, 03 Aug 2025, due to planned engineering works.
- The closure is part of a major infrastructure project: the Greek Street roundabout bridge replacement in Stockport, led by Network Rail.
- Alternative travel arrangements, including rail replacement bus services and ticket acceptance on select Bee Network buses and Metrolink trams, have been arranged for affected passengers.
- Stockport County Football Club and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have issued a joint announcement to keep fans and the public informed regarding the travel disruption.
- The closure impacts several rail operators, with widespread diversions and changes to rail services in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
- Work on the bridge began in March 2025 and will continue through August, with further phases planned for October and Christmas, and the project set to finish by Spring 2026.
- Local authorities and agencies have advised the public to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys during the period of rail disruption.
- This interruption is one component of a broader, £2.5bn investment in Greater Manchester’s integrated Bee Network, which will also see Metrolink extended to Stockport in future years.
- All statements and travel information cited are directly attributed to original media titles and spokespersons.
No Train Services Between Manchester and Stockport This Sunday Due to Engineering Works, Rail Replacement Buses and Extra Services Arranged
Why Are Train Services Between Manchester and Stockport Suspended This Sunday?
As reported by the media team at Bolton Wanderers Football Club on their official website,
“With no train services between Manchester and Stockport this Sunday, the club and TfGM can provide the following update”.
According to Network Rail, the suspension is due to extensive engineering work for the Greek Street roundabout bridge replacement, which involves closing all lines through Stockport station for vital infrastructure upgrades.
What Is the Scope and Reason for the Rail Disruption?
According to William Brandon, project manager for Network Rail, in a press statement published on the Network Rail Media Centre:
“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...”.
The Greek Street bridge, constructed in 1958, is being completely replaced to ensure safe travel for years to come.
The bridge replacement forms part of a £20m investment, with the line through Stockport closed for a three-week period from Saturday, 2 August to Friday, 22 August 2025, but this coming Sunday, 03 Aug, sees one of several scheduled complete closures for preparatory works.
How Are Passengers and Football Fans Being Supported?
According to the joint update from Stockport County Football Club and TfGM:
“With no train services between Manchester and Stockport this Sunday, the club and TfGM can provide the following update.”
The statement refers fans and the public to alternative travel methods, including a network of rail replacement buses operating between Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.
As detailed by Northern Railway and National Rail, rail tickets will be accepted on rail replacement buses and on selected Bee Network bus and tram routes, including the 192 Hazel Grove–Stockport–Levenshulme–Manchester route and others. Replacement bus stops are clearly marked at affected stations, and extra staff will be available to assist.
Lisa Magee, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stockport, told Network Rail Media Centre:
“While there’ll 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’d 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”.
What Has Been the Local and Political Response to These Works?
As reported by the Network Rail Media Centre, Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, said:
“This is a significant project to protect Europe’s busiest railway line that Stockport and its residents will benefit from on a daily basis once complete... We’re working hard alongside Network Rail and TfGM to help keep Stockport moving, ensuring signed diversion routes will be in place to help ease the impact that this work will have on our communities”.
From the same source, Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at TfGM, said:
“The bridge at Greek Street is almost 70 years old and has now reached the end of its life, meaning it needs to be replaced to ensure the safety of road and rail users for generations to come. We know this will cause disruption and are working closely with partners to minimise the impact while these essential works take place”.
What Are the Travel Alternatives and Replacement Services During the Suspension?
According to Northern Railway’s official update, the following alternatives are in place for passengers on Sunday 03 Aug 2025:
- Rail replacement buses will operate between Stockport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Chester.
- The following Bee Network bus routes will accept valid rail tickets:
- 11 Altrincham–Gatley–Cheadle–Edgeley–Stockport
- 42C Handforth Dean–Heald Green–Cheadle–Piccadilly Gardens
- 192 Hazel Grove–Stockport–Levenshulme–Manchester (in service on all Sundays until 03 Aug)
- 368, 370, 371, 378, 378A among additional listed services.
- Some long-distance and regional train services will be diverted where possible, but will not call at Stockport.
- Metrolink trams (subject to ongoing engineering work in the city centre) will serve travellers, with the nearest stop to Manchester Piccadilly being Market Street during the period of Metrolink disruption.
- Passengers are encouraged to check journey planners and allow extra time, as buses may take longer than trains.
How Will This Impact Stockport County Fans and the Wider Community?
The statement from Stockport County and TfGM is especially relevant for supporters travelling to games or other public events this Sunday, with specific instructions on using rail replacement services to reach games or return home afterwards.
The works have been coordinated to coincide with school holidays and quieter periods to reduce overall disruption, though significant impacts on regular commuters, leisure travellers, and football fans are expected.
What Are the Broader Long-Term Changes to Local Transport?
As reported by Alasdair Perry of Stockport Nub News and by Confidentials, the government recently confirmed a £2.5bn investment in Greater Manchester transport infrastructure, including a long-anticipated extension of Metrolink tram services to Stockport. Mayor Andy Burnham commented that this significant investment will allow the region’s integrated Bee Network system to be delivered at “an unrelenting pace,” providing future-proofed connections for Stockport and the wider region.
According to the same local news report:
“Construction will begin on a new line connecting Stockport to Manchester city centre and beyond. It’s part of a £2.5bn investment in Greater Manchester from central government... The general aim is to have a fully-integrated ‘Bee Network’ public travel system, incorporating buses, trams and trains”.
How Long Will the Disruption Last and What Are Next Steps?
The Greek Street project will result in further closures through August, October, and at Christmas 2025, with some local road closures already begun in March and all works expected to conclude by Spring 2026. Passengers are advised to stay updated via National Rail, their train operator, and the TfGM website for the latest news on service changes and alternative travel options.
Train services between Manchester and Stockport will be suspended on Sunday 03 Aug 2025, and a robust package of alternative travel methods—including rail replacement buses and ticket acceptance on Bee Network buses and trams—will be in effect. Local authorities, football clubs, and transport agencies have collaborated closely to ensure passengers are informed, disruption is minimised, and the community’s wider travel needs are supported during this vital infrastructure upgrade.