DELIVERING a new bridge for Northwich is a key element of £46m proposed transport improvements aimed at tackling a traffic bottleneck as well as unlocking regeneration. 

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Labour cabinet is expected to back a multi-million pound Levelling Up application to fund the much-needed brand new Winnington Bridge at its June meeting.

The single lane swing bridge over the River Weaver can’t cope with existing traffic let alone anticipated levels if a 1,550-homes schemes gets planning permission on the redundant Winnington Works site.

A successful bid to Government, plus council funding, would enable a new two-way road bridge to be erected nearby, with the swing bridge converted for walkers and cyclists only, who would also benefit from better accessibility into the town centre along Winnington Lane corridor through road and junction improvements.   

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury said: "A solution to the traffic pinch point is long overdue. And while the proposed development could transform the former industrial site - providing a mix of housing tenures including affordable properties - we must be in the business of building sustainable communities.

"That means the necessary infrastructure and to be clear my stance is no bridge, no development.

"I would like to see both the developer and Government step up in terms of making a financial contribution towards this project.

"Government certainly talks the talk when it comes to Levelling Up.

But let’s see if it follows the council’s lead in putting its money where its mouth is."

Northwich Guardian: The single lane Winnington swing bridge can’t cope with existing traffic levels at peak times but the Grade II-listed structure would be retained as a green route for walkers and cyclists under the proposalsThe single lane Winnington swing bridge can’t cope with existing traffic levels at peak times but the Grade II-listed structure would be retained as a green route for walkers and cyclists under the proposals

Winnington and Castle Labour Cllr Kate Cernik said: "We all know the road infrastructure in the Winnington area is at capacity at peak times, and that’s why the council is submitting this funding bid for a new bridge.

"It could be that a combination of council funds, Government grants and contributions from the housing developer will be enough to make this a reality, but in my view highway improvements need to be in place before any development takes place on this site."

Under the proposals, a funding bid to Government would be made by the July 6 deadline with the outcome known later this year.

If successful, the new bridge would be built off-site to minimise disruption and be put in place by 2026 after the route has been determined.

Its design would allow it to be raised so craft on the River Weaver can pass through.