Rail line reopens in Greater Manchester after five days of disruption due to flooded line

A rail line that has been closed for five days due to flooding resulting from a burst water main has now reopened. The burst water main at Audenshaw in Tameside caused flooding on three miles of railway between Fairfield and Ashburys stations causing cancellations and delays between Manchester Piccadilly and Guide Bridge.

The United Utilities pipe first ruptured in the early hours of Thursday September 2, with extensive repairs needing to be carried out to that pipe and railway infrastructure as a result. This includes fixing washed away mortar inside Bessemer Street railway bridge, some areas of track where sinkholes had appeared, and also repairs to electric signalling equipment which became submerged.

Now, after five days of 'round the clock work', the line has reopened. Paul Owen, Network Rail’s North West route operations manager, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we worked tirelessly to get the railway back up and running after it was damaged by the burst water main at Audenshaw.

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"We’ll continue to support United Utilities as they work to repair their pipe beside our tracks over the coming days. With over three miles of track submerged by fast flowing water it was essential we inspected everything thoroughly and made the necessary repairs before we could reopen the line so trains could run safely again.

"Thankfully that’s now complete but I’d remind people to check National Rail Enquiries as there may still be knock-on delays today while trains return to the usual timetable."

A United Utilities spokesperson added: “Our teams have been working closely with Network Rail since the burst occurred