Denton MP Andrew Gwynne has welcomed news of the resumption of works to the Victorian railway viaduct over the River Tame at Reddish Vale.

Urgent repairs to the viaduct have restarted after Storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin forced Network Rail engineers to pause their efforts. 

More than 5,500 tonnes of large boulders are being laid at the foot of the Reddish Vale viaduct to stop its bases - also known as piers - from being eroded by fast flowing river water. 

However, work had to stop for several days when the River Tame swelled to unsafe levels following the storms. 

Now, the essential repairs have restarted to protect the iconic 147-year-old structure and keep trains running safely on the Hope Valley line above for decades to come. 

Parents and guardians at nearby schools are being advised of the continued presence of construction vehicles along Lambeth Road and Reddish Vale Road but trains will continue as usual. 

Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, said: "This is really urgent work and I'm very pleased that Network Rail are taking action before any further erosion occurs. 

"The Reddish Vale viaduct is not only an iconic piece of architecture for both Reddish and Denton but also a vital transport and rail link. It's important that we protect it for generations to come."

The viaduct was built in 1875 and carries the railway over the Tame Valley. Specialists from the Environment Agency and ecological consultants are overseeing the project. 

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