Winnington Swing Bridge repairs continue

Winnington Swing Bridge near Northwich will be closed to all vehicles, from 10pm on Friday 25 September to 5am on Monday 28 September, to enable a new deck and beam to be installed.

Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Canal & River Trust charity, which cares for the bridge, are working closely together to minimise disruption to motorists during the vital repair project.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “This is the second in a series of three closures that will be needed for this project.  Work so far has been carried out underneath the bridge and has not been visible to the public but a closure is needed for the next phase. These are vital works and I’d like to thank residents for their patience and support while are completed. Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge at all times and will be safely directed away from the works.”

Richard Spencer, Project Team Leader for the Canal & River Trust said: “Teams will be working 24 hours a day to ensure the works are finished on time. We continue to monitor the bridge structure while we carry out the repairs and will be working closely with the Council to complete the project and secure the future of this key heritage structure. “

An additional closure is also provisionally scheduled for 10pm on Friday 9 October to 5am on Monday 12 October.  This is to carry out surfacing and walkway repairs.

The bridge carries the A533 road between Northwich and Barnton over the River Weaver Navigation.  The repairs are urgently needed to protect the Grade II-listed, 110-year-old bridge from further deterioration and avoid a longer, more disruptive closure in the future.  Without the repairs, a 7.5 tonne weight restriction would be needed on the bridge

For more information about the River Weaver Navigation, visit the Canal & River Trust’s website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.