New Greek Street bridge beams *installed in just four days*

Murphy and Network Rail are nearing the culmination of a £20m strategic infrastructure upgrade at Stockport’s Greek Street bridge, demonstrating significant logistical and engineering prowess. This critical project, executed during a tightly controlled 21-day rail suspension, saw the rapid dismantling of 200 existing beams and the installation of replacement structural components across five railway lines within an impressive four-day window. The operational complexity was substantial, requiring police-escorted transportation of new 60-metre steel and concrete beams from Trafford Park and their precise placement using a tandem lift by two cranes boasting a combined 1,300-tonne capacity. With approximately 100 engineers working around the clock, the endeavour is on track for the railway's reopening by the August bank holiday. This investment replaces a 67-year-old structure with a modern equivalent designed for a 120-year lifespan, ensuring enhanced reliability for both passenger and freight traffic on the vital West Coast Main Line and improved traffic flow on the critical four-way roundabout above. This meticulous planning and efficient execution, lauded by both Murphy and Network Rail project managers, sets a benchmark for delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure projects under stringent operational constraints, offering valuable insights into best practices for national asset modernisation. Read More