ESSENTIAL repairs will be carried out on 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 Canal & River Trust will re-wire the bridge, instal 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, January 6, 2025, until 11.59pm on Saturday, January 25; and then from 12.01am on Monday, March 10, until 11.59pm on Saturday, March 22.

Temporary traffic lights will also be in operation, from Sunday, January 26, until Sunday, March 9.

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.

Cllr 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.”

More information on the planned road closures is available on the Cheshire West and Chester Council website.

To find out more about the Trust and it’s vital work, visit the Canal & River Trust website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.