Stockport, United Kingdom - February 23, 2025 In the early hours of Sunday, 23 February, seven railway workers dangled from ropes, abseiling down the towering sides of the Grade II* listed Stockport Viaduct as part of a £1.1m restoration effort. Built in 1840, this iconic structure, which stretches across the M60 and carries nearly 400 trains daily between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly, has undergone a dramatic transformation. The ambitious project, launched by Network Rail last year, set out to tackle overgrown vegetation, erase graffiti, and repair the viaduct’s 11 million bricks. Now, after months of toil, all 26 spans of this architectural marvel have been meticulously restored. Overnight, the team relied on advanced rope access equipment to descend from the viaduct’s piers, breathing new life into the historic landmark. Captured through drone footage and body-worn cameras, the operation reveals breathtaking views of the viaduct from angles rarely seen by the public. Michael Lally, Network Rail’s Works Delivery manager, praised the effort, saying, “The team have done a fantastic job this week carrying out important repairs to the viaduct arches that cross the M60 in Stockport. This is the final stage of the project, which started last year. The recent work means the overall appearance of the viaduct is much improved, but it also reduces the risk of damage caused by overgrown vegetation and graffiti.” Lally added that controlling plant growth is critical for railway safety, as unchecked trees and shrubs can obscure signals and disrupt the overhead lines powering trains. The revamp not only preserves a piece of Britain’s railway heritage but also ensures smoother journeys for passengers. To make this daring restoration possible, the M60 has been closed between junctions 27 and 1 in both directions from Monday, 17 February, to Sunday, 2 March 2025. For 13 consecutive nights, the road beneath the viaduct shuts from 10pm to 6am, allowing the workers uninterrupted access. In total, 20 railway workers were on site overnight, ensuring every detail of the project was executed flawlessly. The timing couldn’t be more fitting. As 2025 marks the Railway 200 celebrations—a year-long tribute to 200 years of the modern railway—the revitalised Stockport Viaduct stands as a proud symbol of Britain’s enduring rail legacy. Meanwhile, Network Rail is also keeping Stockport residents in the loop about upcoming plans to replace the Greek Street bridge, which spans the West Coast Main Line between Edgeley and the town centre. This midnight mission has not only restored a beloved landmark but also secured its future for generations to come.