Major improvement works are set to begin this summer at Longport railway station in Stoke-on-Trent, as Network Rail invests £1.4 million to upgrade the station’s footbridge and staircases.

The footbridge will be closed from Monday 4 August to Friday 10 October, allowing engineers to carry out essential structural repairs and safety upgrades. During this time, a fully signposted diversionary route will be in place for passengers to move between platforms 1 and 2, with an estimated detour time of up to nine minutes.

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The upgrade work includes:

• Replacing damaged parapets and stair units

• Installing improved lighting on the bridge

• Relocating cable trays away from overhead lines

• Repainting the steel structure to prevent corrosion

These enhancements are designed to address long-standing wear and tear, improving both the safety and visibility of the bridge, particularly during darker hours.

Passengers travelling through Longport station during the closure are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

The improvements at Longport are part of a broader £23 million infrastructure programme taking place across Staffordshire and Greater Manchester. Between 2 August and the morning of 23 August 2025, no trains will run through Stockport as Network Rail replaces the bridge at Greek Street roundabout over the West Coast Main Line. During this period, many services will be diverted or replaced by buses, creating a rare opportunity to carry out coordinated rail upgrades along nearly 50 miles of track between Staffordshire and Stockport.