'Waterfall' railway bridge damaged as major water leak now stopped

A major water leak which led to widespread flooding over 5km of railway track has now been stopped, Network Rail has revealed, but the subsiding waters have revealed damage to a railway bridge.

Trains have been cancelled and lines closed as thousands of gallons of water poured out over track lines in and around Audenshaw in Tameside. The full extent of the flooding was revealed in dramatic drone footage filmed by Network Rail, which showed a section of track completely submerged.

Rail passengers have now been reminded to check before they travel as work continues to repair the flood-damaged tracks.

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Network Rail said the Bessemer Street railway bridge - between Ashburys and Gorton stations - had effectively become a 'waterfall' and urgent repairs to the bridge's mortar were now taking place. Trains continue to be suspended as a result for a fourth day today - Sunday.

In a statement issued on Saturday night, Network Rail said: "United Utilities has now stopped the major water leak onto the railway in Audenshaw, but it has revealed damage to a railway bridge. For the last three days Bessemer Street bridge between Ashburys and Gorton stations has become a waterfall.

"Thousands of gallons of fast flowing water have fallen from the railway above into the road below, flooding it and washing away mortar inside the structure

"It means trains travelling through the area will be suspended for a fourth day on Sunday 4 September while Network Rail engineers make urgent repairs.

"Train services cannot run in either direction between Manchester Piccadilly, Rose Hill and Hadfield, as well as Stalybridge and Leeds via Guide Bridge. Once again