Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge
21st November 2012
Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Canal and River Trust have confirmed that a temporary two-way Bailey Bridge could be installed across the River Weaver to facilitate vital work on the Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge.
CWAC and CaRT have agreed a £4.5m programme of strengthening, refurbishment and painting to enable the structure to cope with current loading requirements and increase its life expectancy by a fifty-year minimum.
The initial programme of works specified that the Bridge would not be closed to traffic or pedestrians but that road traffic would be reduced to a single lane controlled by traffic lights.
But following pleas from local business leaders, Frodsham Foundation and residents, the Council and Trust are working together to investigate the option of installing a two-way temporary bridge to maintain traffic flows and reduce congestion.
Further feasibility works are necessary on location suitability and budget but both parties are confident that these can be resolved and are optimistic that a temporary bridge could be a financially viable option.
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member Environment and Community, said: “We are almost there in securing the best solution to keep disruption to a minimum whilst the much- needed work to the Bridge is carried out.
“Both the Council and Trust have listened to the concerns of the community and businesses and are working hard to develop the second option of a temporary two-way bridge across the River Weaver.
“We hope to be in a position in early 2013 to reassure local residents and businesses that a two-way crossing of the river will be maintained throughout the duration of the work.”
George Ballinger, Head of Engineering for the Canal and River Trust, said: “We have been working hard with the Council and our omnibus contractor to come up with the best solution and design to re-furbish the 90-year old bridge.
“We are confident that all difficulties can be satisfactorily resolved and that a temporary bridge can be a financially viable option.”
It is anticipated that the work on the bridge will commence in late summer 2013 and will be completed in early autumn 2014.
To find out more about the programme of improvements a Forum for local businesses will be held on Thursday, 29 November 2012 at the Forrest Hills Hotel from 6.30pm.