AN AUDENSHAW rail bridge that has been closed since a freight train derailed is now set to have new panels by the end of July.
Sidmouth Street has been divided after people were forbidden from walking underneath the structure since wagons came off the track and landed close to homes in September.
Huge railings and mounds of earth lie underneath, preventing access and causing a long pedestrian diversion along Audenshaw Road.
Now bosses have announced delay of about a month in a scheme to install new panels.
That means the target date for completion is now Friday, July 25 – more than 10 months after the incident.
In a note to nearby residents, Network Rail explained: “As part of the project to improve and maintain the structure, we’ve been installing new bridge panels to help keep the railway safe and reliable for years to come.
“We’d originally planned to finish this stage of work by the end of June, but we’ve run into unforeseen technical difficulties that have caused a series of small delays.
“As a result, the new completion date for this part of the work is now Friday, July 25.
“We understand that ongoing work in your area isn’t always easy to live with, and we really do appreciate your patience while we carry out this important upgrade.
“We’re sorry for the change, and we want to reassure you that we’re doing everything we can to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible.”
No-one was injured in the incident, which saw a freight locomotive carrying aggregates come off the tracks on the line between Denton and Ashton Moss on the morning of Friday, September 6.
A buckled wagon – one of nine to derail – could be seen sitting at a 45-degree angle yards from properties on both Sidmouth Street and Thornley Rise.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is continuing its investigation into the incident.