Street cut in half by train crash set to return to normality next month

Normality is set to return to a street that was cut in half by a train crash last year. The trouble started when a freight train came off the tracks in Audenshaw in September. Nine of the train’s 24 wagons derailed in total, with the last one coming to a standstill on a bridge near Sidmouth Street.

At the time the area was ‘like a crime scene’, according to locals.

The aftermath of the wagons coming off the tracks on the Stockport to Stalybridge line led to the area being closed off whilst rail operators cleared up. This effectively cut the street in half.

Trains were back up and running on the tracks fairly quickly, but the footpath under the bridge locals use to get to the shops has been shut off ever since. 

Network Rail explained back in January that the repairs to make the underpass safe were taking longer than expected. Despite frustrations over the delays, the railway bosses have now confirmed an end to the closure in July.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “The work to repair the footpath for the bridge at Audenshaw is due to be complete at the end of July and we have written to the local residents to inform them of this. 

“We are extremely grateful to the Audenshaw community for their patience.”

Given the number of elderly people living in the area, the alternative route via the busy Audenshaw Road is not a pleasant one. For slower walkers, taking the longer route round – rather than the direct route under the bridge – can add 10 minutes onto a short journey to the nearest shop.

Resident Joe Hart was one of those affected by the disruption. 

Joe Hart, 80, a Sidmouth Street resident. Credit: LDRS

Speaking on the issue previously, he said: “It’s a real nuisance. I’m not good on my legs and there are a few older people around here that struggle.

“I’m having to get taxis I can’t afford because of the rerouting. We’re not getting any info, that’s the trouble. They told us trains are running and this will happen later on.

“Every morning I wake up and look to see if it’s gone – but it never is.”

The 80-year-old explained that his nearest bus stop was just under the bridge on the other side of the memorial garden, which is a mere 100m from his doorstep. The other bus stop on Audenshaw Road is a much longer walk for Joe.

His neighbour a few doors down, Judith Taylor, had the exact same issue.

Judith Taylor, a Sidmouth Street resident. Credit: LDRS

The pensioner said previously: “I go through to get the bus regularly. Now I have to go all the way around.

“If the weather is bad I have to get a taxi. I have relatives at the pub just in the centre and it takes ages to get there now.

“We’ve now got to walk much further. It’s especially tough when you’ve got the shopping.

“Some people said it’s not going to be sorted for a while. It’s a big talking point, particularly for the older people in the area.

“We just want to know what will happen. It’s just an inconvenience.”