Weaver bridge needs overhaul

Published: Thursday, 22 April 2010

SUTTON Swing Bridge over the Weaver is in desperate need of an overhaul due to the amount of traffic it carries.

British Waterways and Cheshire West & Chester are studying a range of options to secure the long term future of Sutton Swing Bridge, a vital transport link across the Weaver.

Major overhaul

The bridge was constructed in the 1920s. It now requires a major overhaul to guarantee its futureĀ  against increasing volumes of traffic using the A56 trunk route, in addition to maintaining the navigation.

A project team of engineers and planners is now investigating a range of technical solutions and costings, with the short and long term impacts of the project being assessed.

Future plans

Councillors from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council, Frodsham Town Council, Helsby Parish Council and Sutton Weaver Parish Council have met representatives from Cheshire West & Chester Council and British Waterways to discuss possible future plans for the bridge.

British Waterways relate the bridge is structurally sound and operating well within its capacity. However, Principal Waterway Engineer for North Wales & Borders, Joe Murphy, believes there are maintenance issues regarding the deck plates that are contributing to the decay of the road surface.