Canal bridge complete after “complex” three year operation

WORK has been completed on a new and improved bridge over the Sankey Canal at Warrington to replace one which collapsed under the weight of a heavy lorry three years ago.
The bridge, which carries Marsh Lane, Fiddler’s Ferry, provides improved access to the nearby Riverside Trading Estate and to Fiddler’s Ferry Marina.
Businesses on the trading estate and nearby residents have welcomed the development.
Construction of the bascule (moveable) bridge has been a complex operation  and has formed part of the “Linking the Locks” project involving Warrington Borough Council,  Halton Council and Warrington and Co.
It has been constructed in such a way that it could be raised and lowered if, at some time in the future, the canal becomes navigable again.
Contractor AMCO Ltd completed the scheme on time.
A £300 million grant was received from the Coastal Communities Fund towards the coast of the Linking the Locks project.
The original bridge collapsed in September 2013 and the borough council replaced it with a temporary bridge the following month.
Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s lead member for highways and transport, said: “I’m delighted to see that this much-needed bridge is now in place. The scheme was not without its challenges and has required both Warrington Borough Council and the contractor to work very closely with the local businesses and communities to minimise disruption as much as possible.”
The new bridge is wider than the old, can accept loads of up to 40 tonnes, and will provide opportunities for further developments and improvements to the area, benefitting local businesses and residents.
While work has been going on, the business team at Warrington and Co has assisted
While the bridge work has been taking place, Warrington & Co has assisted more than 60 businesses around the site supporting them with recruitment, training and development. Businesses have received financial assistance to bring forward their workforce development plans to create 27 apprenticeships leading to permanent positions along with other full-time roles across a wide range of sectors.