THE long-awaited refurbishment work on the Stockton Heath swing bridge is set get underway next Spring, subject to a survey work taking place next month, which will result in overnight closures.
Warrington South MP Andy Carter has welcomed the progress following a recent meeting with Manchester Ship Canal owners, Peel Ports.
Commenting on his recent meeting with Peel Ports, Mr Carter has confirmed that surveying work to assess the level of repairs required to the Stockton Heath swing bridge will take place in October ahead of a planned refurbishment starting in the Spring of 2022.
He said: “I’ve been in regular contact with Peel Ports, who own the bridges, over the last 18 months, pressing for progress. This isn’t just about re-painting, there’s also work required on the bridge mechanisms to stop the occasional breakdowns which have caused serious disruption to traffic. We’ve had a couple of false starts where work was expected to begin, then schedules changed as a result of Covid but I’m cautiously optimistic we are seeing some progress.
“On Friday I met with the MD of Peel, Lewis McIntyre, who has now confirmed that the Ship Canal Company has awarded a contract. They are now engaged in a detailed assessment of the works to be undertaken, firstly on the A49 Stockton Heath Swing Bridge before moving to other bridges. This assessment will provide more certainty over the physical works required in addition to re-painting.
“This surveying work will mean at least three overnight closures for pedestrians and cyclists in late October.
Mr Carter added: “Peel has indicated that they intend to begin repair work in the Spring of 2022 subject to the outcome of the surveying work later this month. Peel is also discussing how the work will be carried out with Warrington Borough Council and what measures might be necessary in relation to road closures and traffic diversions. This work is going to take some time to complete so there will be a period of disruption.”
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Of course if this had started in March last year there would have been few people affected but lets see what plays out.