Present Day
The track was lifted soon after the final closure in the late 1960s, and the most notable demolition was the dismantling of Chew Brook viaduct running through Greenfield, amid reports suggesting the viaduct could be left intact at least for a few decades. Completion of that work took place in the late 1970s. The whole line now serves as public bridleways, known as the 'Micklehurst Trail' between Stalybridge and Friezland, before joining the Pennine Bridleway in Friezland which then follows the whole length of the rest of the line until Butterhouse on the Uppermill and Diggle border. These bridleways have been existent since the 1990s. Local residents praised the redevelopment, which also includes the bridleway following near perfect alignment of the original railway line. The two tunnels originally used to compensate for the higher volume of trains at Standedge tunnels do remain although are not open for trains, instead are used for emergency vehicles for access to the main rail tunnel still in use and the canal tunnel.
Read more about this topic: Micklehurst Line
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