Network Rail will need to rebuild several bridges in the Greater Manchester area in order for existing lines to be electrified.

The company is planning to upgrade the route between Manchester Victoria station and Stalybridge, which goes via Ashton-under-Lyne. Although the project will cause disruptions, the firm believes the long-term benefits could be significant.

Electric trains will be introduced on the line in 2016 and the redevelopment will enable more services to run along the route.

This programme is part of a £400 million scheme aimed at electrifying the Trans Pennine route between Manchester, Leeds and the north-east. 

Dyan Crowther, Network Rail route managing director, said: "By enabling faster, more frequent trains to connect key towns and cities we can provide the railway that the region's passengers want and its economy needs."

Earlier this week (August 12th), the Department for Transport announced that electrification work would also take place in Cumbria, with £16 million being spent on enhancing the Windermere branch line.