Sydney Road Bridge replacement work begins

10 May 2018

Work on Sydney Road Bridge in Crewe is under way as Cheshire East Council steps up its commitment to ease traffic congestion in the town.

The work to replace Sydney Road Bridge is split into two phases. The first includes setting up the site compound, modifications to the railway overhead line electrical power equipment, part construction of the supports for the new bridge and the diversion of a major electrical mains cable. 

The engineering works for this initial phase will be carried out completely on Network Rail land and roads will remain open until October. 
Network Rail is obliged to work, whenever possible, at times that cause the least disruption to train services. Unfortunately, this means carrying out some of their improvements during the night or at weekends. They fully understand the inconvenience and disruption that this work may cause and will make every effort to minimise any unnecessary noise. 

The second phase of the works – on the bridge itself and on Sydney Road – will start in October and is expected to be completed in May 2019.

The £11m scheme, which has been largely financed through the Department for Transport and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership with a £5.85m grant from the Local Growth Fund, will see the replacement of the existing signal-controlled, single carriageway, narrow bridge with a wider structure capable of taking two-way traffic. 

There will be a shared cycleway and footpath over the bridge, a signal controlled toucan crossing and improved cycle path provision along Sydney Road.

Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “This is an important scheme to help unlock the north west corridor of Crewe by removing the ‘pinch point’ created at the existing bridge. 

“Replacing the bridge will help support growth along the corridor and enhance access to key destinations, such as the Bentley works and Leighton Hospital. We have scheduled the Sydney Road works to start after the completion of Crewe Green Roundabout, as we understand the disruption that these major projects create for motorists. 

“We continue to ask for patience and understanding from all road users whilst these schemes are under way.”