21 October 2024
Canal charity to carry out essential repairs to iconic swing bridge
Canal & River Trust is carrying out a programme of essential repairs to the Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge, which crosses the River Weaver near Frodsham.
The bridge, which is nearly 100 years old and based on a Victorian design, requires works to replace and repair existing mechanical and electrical elements to make it safe and fit for purpose.
Specialist engineers working on behalf of the Trust will re-wire the bridge, install new signalling and navigation lights and replace the control system and drive motors, to ensure the bridge is in the correct position when open or closed, making it more resilient for the future.
The works will be carried out early next year and the bridge will be closed to traffic from 4am on Monday, 6th January 2025, until 11.59pm on Saturday, 25th January; and then from 00.01am on Monday, 10th March, until 11.59pm on Saturday, 22nd March. Temporary traffic lights will also be in operation, from Sunday, 26th January, until Sunday, 9th March.
During the repairs the bridge will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and a signposted diversion route will be put in place. It will also be closed to river traffic as part of the Trust’s programme of winter repairs and conservation work.
Andy Pleavin, senior electrical engineer at Canal & River Trust, explains: “These vital repairs will help futureproof the bridge for many years to come, so it can continue to be used by vehicles and other users crossing the River Weaver.
“This project will replace and repair many ageing electrical and mechanical components, some of which are almost 50 years old and in need of upgrading, which will enable the bridge to continue to carry the high volume of daily traffic, and remain fully operational for boaters, for the foreseeable future.
“We know that this programme of repairs will cause disruption, and we apologise for the inconvenience. We will aim to keep any impact to a minimum and complete the works as quickly as possible and look forward to reopening a stronger, safer and more resilient bridge.”
The iconic metal swing bridge, constructed in 1926, carries the busy A56 road over the River Weaver Navigation, close to junction 12 of the M56 motorway in North Cheshire.
Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Strategic Transport and Highways, said: “As the A56 Chester Road is part of our principal road network, we have had extensive discussions with the Canal & River Trust about the best time to undertake this work to minimise the impact locally and the motorway connections.
“These works are essential for the future smooth running of our road network and we’d like to thank local residents and visitors for their patience and support when they take place next year. I’m delighted this project once again shows excellent partnership working between the Canal & River Trust and the Council.”
For more information on the planned road closures go to https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-roads/highways/live-roadworks
To find out more about the Trust and it’s vital work, visit the Canal & River Trust website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
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Media Enquiries:
Kieran Howlett, Communications and Campaigns Manager, North West kieran.howlett@canalrivertrust.org.uk / 07385 479333
Notes to Editors
Canal & River Trust cares for and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England & Wales. We believe waterways have the power to make a difference to bringing communities together to make a difference to their local waterway, we are creating places and spaces that can be used and enjoyed by everyone, every day. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
For diversion route, please see attached plan
