HIGHWAY planners are proposing to introduce a new 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the historic Walton Humpback Bridge.
It follows problems caused by HGVs using the bridge, with several incidents of damage being caused over the years.
Back in 2015, local residents called for a comprehensive traffic plan after an articulated lorry demolished part of a bridge near Walton Hall and gardens.
The listed building, which crosses the Bridgewater Canal near the Walton Arms pub, was badly damaged after being struck by a lorry carrying a supply of bricks.
Highway planners are recommending the new weight limit due to large vehicles travelling over the Bridgewater Canal humpback bridge, causing restrictions due to becoming stranded and, on occasions, structural damage occurring to the bridge itself. As a result, it is necessary to ensure that a 7.5 tonne weight limit is provisioned with no exceptions to minimise the risk of future issues occurring.
This is in place of the existing 5t axle weight restriction that does not restrict some types of longer vehicles from using the bridge, which are presently becoming stranded.
THE BOROUGH OF WARRINGTON (WARRINGTON ROAD, WALTON) (7.5T WEIGHT LIMIT) ORDER 2026
Notice is hereby given that the Council proposes to make an order under Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers. The effect of which will be as follows:
1) To revoke The County of Chester (Walton Bridge, Walton Runcorn, R.D) (Weight Restriction) Order 1971 in its entirety.
2) To prohibit any motor vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes from proceeding along Warrington Road Bridgewater Canal Humpback Bridge, Walton.
Deposited documents may be viewed on-line at https://www.warrington.gov.uk/permanent-traffic-regulation-orders or Contact Warrington, 1 Time Square, Warrington, WA1 2NT between 9am & 5pm, Monday to Friday.
All representations both in support or objecting to the proposals must be in writing either by post or delivered by hand to Legal Services, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1UH or emailed with full contact details to TROrepresentations@warrington.gov.uk by 5th February 2026 and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made. Please note that all representations received may be considered in public by the Council and that the substance of any representation together with the name and address of the person making it could become available for public inspection.
