Overloading fear of Weaver swing bridge

Published: Thursday, 21 March 2019

THERE is concern that roadworks causing queues could overload a swing bridge over the Weaver.

Roadworks near Winnington Swing Bridge require traffic lights that will form queues leading to HGV's stationary on the bridge causing stress to the structure, Alan Tilbury reports.

Winnington Swing Bridge110 years old structure

The River Weaver Navigation Society together with Barnton Parish Council are concerned that the 110 years old structure of the bridge will not tolerate the possibility of two loaded HGV's stood on the bridge, with a represetative of the navigation society complaining:

“Our society’s real concern is the potential damage to the bridge as these works continue and heavy good vehicles are stationary on the bridge—perhaps two at a time.

“Evidence suggests that this could cause catastrophic damage to the bridge and create an appalling situation for our local roadways and the water traffic on the Weaver. The existing Winnington Swing Bridge is now over 100 years old and was designed for traction engines and horse and carts.

“We are demanding immediate action from our highways authority on what the weight limit of the bridge should be and for the Cheshire and Warrington Transport Board to make this river crossing a priority in their sub-regional strategy."