A major update has been issued on a bridge left damage following a train derailment in Audenshaw. The railway bridge, which was the scene of the freight train derailment in September last year will remain closed for a number of months.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) are still carrying out an ongoing investigation into the incident after the freight train, travelling between Peak Forest and Salford, derailed as it passed over a bridge on Sidmouth Street.
The last update revealed that no injuries were caused in the incident, but that the derailment ’caused substantial damage to railway infrastructure and damaged some of the wagons involved.’
The freight train derailed in September last year
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A freight locomotive, made up of 24 wagons carrying aggregates, came off the tracks on the line between Denton and Ashton Moss on the morning of September 6. The area, including the path beneath the bridge, has been blocked off ever since.
An interim report by the RAIB said: “Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident. It will also consider the condition of the infrastructure at the time of the derailment, the status and condition of the wagons involved and any underlying management factors.
“Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.”
In an update, shared by the Team Audenshaw Labour group, it was revealed that the bridge will remain closed for a number of months, following new details from National Rail.
“We know that a number of residents have had concerns regarding this, and we have now had an update from Network Rail regarding this incident,” the group said on Monday (January 6).
Blocked passage of Sidmouth Street that runs under the railway bridge
(Image: LDRS)
Metal railings and signage is currently blocking the footpath beneath the bridge, was was left severely damaged in the derailment. It is predicted to cost around £200,000 for interim repairs, which could take six months, according to the Labour group.
The footpath remains closed for ‘safety reasons’ due to the ‘shock the structure was subjected to as part of the derailment’, the update said.
“Firstly, we are extremely grateful for the patience of your local constituents while we plan the repairs to the bridge. We are very sorry for the disruption we have caused while we complete our repairs to the site,” the update from Network Rail read.
“While we have provided a footpath diversion in the interim, clearly, we know some residents are unhappy about the length of time it is taking to fix this.
Blocked passage of Sidmouth Street
(Image: LDRS)
“Please be assured that the long-term repair plan for underneath the bridge is currently being planned. The design for this strengthening work is quite complex, which is why the fix underneath could not be completed at the same time as the repairs were carried out to the track above.
“Due to the current complexity of the structure, we are working hard to finalise the final designs early in the New Year. After which, we will then mobilise our specialist supply chain partners to complete the strengthening work in April that will allow the propping to be removed and the footpath to reopen.”
The update continued: “We have explored whether a temporary reopening of the footpath could be made in the meantime.
“The cost to complete this work-around until a long-term repair is made would be £200,000 over six months. While this sounds excessive, there is quite a lot of work required for this temporary fix, as we would have to provide an access ramp and significantly modify the temporary works.
“We have concluded that the cost of this temporary work would not be the best use of our public funds, as it would divert our funding from other safety critical renewal work planned in Greater Manchester. Nonetheless, our local community relations team will now progress a note to local households to keep them informed on the next steps.
“I hope this response is helpful and we remain extremely grateful to residents for their patience while we progress our long-term plans to reopen the footpath in the New Year.”