Network Rail completes first phase of £700,000 Guide Bridge track upgrades

Network Rail has completed the first phase of a £700,000 track renewal project at Guide Bridge, near Manchester. The upgrades aim to improve reliability on routes connecting the Glossop line to Denton, serving both passenger and freight services.

During a 54-hour closure on August 8 and 9, engineering teams removed old tracks, laid new ballast foundations, and positioned new track panels. Drone footage released by the infrastructure manager highlights the scale of the work performed by teams working around the clock to ensure services resumed on schedule.

A second 54-hour closure is scheduled for the weekend of August 15 and 16. During this period, engineers will weld the new rails together and use tamping machines to stabilize the track foundations. Rail replacement buses will be utilized during the closure, and passengers are advised to plan journeys in advance via National Rail Enquiries.