Audenshaw freight line to be shut 'for weeks' as accident clean up continues

The stretch of railway in Audenshaw where a freight train derailed will be closed for several weeks while repairs take place.

Residents said that they heard a ‘scraping noise’ and that their houses shook during the accident, which happened at 11:15am on Friday September 6, while the train was crossing the bridge at Sidmouth Street. 

Network Rail expects the area around the crash site to be closed for several weeks, with the fully laden train causing significant damage to railway infrastructure.  

Photos show buckled tracks, splintered wood and holes where part bridge’s underside has collapsed. It also appears that the derailed wagons were at the rear of the train. 

The GB Railfreight train, which was carrying aggregates from the Peak Forest CEMEX plant in Derbyshire to its sister site in Salford, was running 58 minutes late, losing seven minutes in the short section between Denton railway station and Denton junction just before the derailment. 

“This is a freight only line and the area will remain blocked until the train can be moved,” said a statement from Network Rail. “Freight trains that are scheduled to be using this route will be diverted. However, as a precaution, Sidmouth Street is closed for safety reasons. 

“We are working now to recover the train and the wagons, as well as remove them from site. It is likely we will be in the area for several weeks to make any necessary repairs, and we are writing to local residents to apologise for any increased noise or disruption coming from our work.” 

The driver was able to walk away from the incident without injury, and there were no other casualties.