Update on Audenshaw water main burst

United Utilities is continuing its work to repair a burst water main next to the railway at Audenshaw in east Manchester.

Work is ongoing to stop the flow of water from the burst pipe without disrupting water supplies to customers in the area.

The track cannot be re-opened until the water has drained away and this is impacting train services between Manchester Piccadilly, Hadfield and Stalybridge.

The company says it is making good progress, but due to the size and location of the water main and the complexity of the water network which it normally feeds, it is taking some time.

United Utilities engineers are carrying out a complex operation to re-route water supplies through other parts of the water network.  This is being done in two phases, the first of which is complete, and the second is now under way. 

Phil Sweeney, United Utilities incident manager, said: “Our priority is to maintain water supplies for our customers. We are aware that a small number in the Droylsden area may have noticed fluctuations in water pressure this morning, but we are making arrangements to restore their supply through alternative means this afternoon. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this is causing, particularly to rail travellers. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to isolate the main and stabilise the area of the burst so that repairs can get underway and the track can re-open.

“We are working closely with colleagues at Network Rail on a plan that will allow our engineers to work safely next to the track while trains can start to run again.”

Chris Pye, Network Rail’s North West infrastructure director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted for a second day by the burst water main and resulting flooding which United Utilities is working hard to contain in Audenshaw.

“I’d please ask people planning on travelling on the Glossop Line and between Manchester and Leeds via Stalybridge to check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey today. Trains may be diverted and in some cases passengers may need to get on a rail replacement bus service.”