Boost for motorists crossing Weaver Navigation bridges
Motorists driving across swing bridges over the River Weaver Navigation will soon have a smoother ride thanks to a programme of minor repairs this autumn.
Delivered by the Canal & River Trust and funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council, the work includes improvements to crossing points at Acton Bridge, Sutton Weaver and Town Bridge in Northwich.
- At Acton Bridge, overnight re-surfacing and re-alignment of the A49 trunk road carriageway leading to the swing bridge will remove the need for the current warning signs and speed restrictions. This is scheduled for Monday 14 October, subject to suitable weather conditions.
- At Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge, near Frodsham, repairs will be carried out where a crack has developed between the new and old bridge decks, which will involve overnight working and some resurfacing.
- And at Town Bridge in the centre of Northwich, a detailed inspection is due to be carried out on Sunday 3 November which will result in it being closed for the day to traffic. One of the volunteer teams will then be using this valuable, traffic-free time to do a thorough spring-clean of the bridge edges to remove any debris.
Fran Littlewood, Project Manager, says: “Thousands of motorists use the iconic metal swing bridges over the River Weaver Navigation every day so it’s a top priority for both us and the council to keep them in good working order. These are small but important repairs to keep everything running smoothly. The work will mainly be carried out at night to minimise disruption to traffic and there will be no effect on river navigation.”
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore, says: “The Council is committed to ongoing investment in our highway network and has provided the funding for these repairs to ensure journeys run smoothly for residents and visitors in these locations.
“This project once again shows excellent partnership working between the Canal & River Trust and the Council.”
Source: Canal & River Trust
