The A530 major route between Nantwich and Middlewich has re-opened after a five-month closure to revamp a railway bridge.
The “Boulderstones” road bridge which spans the railway between Crewe and Chester, had to undergo a major £5.7 million of works to make it safer for road users above and rail passengers below.
The closure, as we highlighted back in May, meant months of diversions and delays for many motorists between the towns and those trying to get to Leighton Hospital and the Pyms Lane recycling centre from Nantwich.
Diversions took traffic through Crewe and down Minshull New Road.
The bridge on Middlewich Road was officially reopened on Friday (October 23).
Network Rail say the work, part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, has brought the bridge up to modern standards and will make the railway crossing safer, more reliable and in need of less maintenance in future.
Oluwole Osunneye, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “Boulderstones bridge has been rebuilt as part of a £5.7m Railway Upgrade Plan investment that will help to future proof the rail network in Cheshire.
“We are very grateful to motorists, passengers and the local community for their patience while this vital work was completed.”
Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “It was very important to get this major route up and running again and I’m delighted that we have been able to achieve this in the midst of the pandemic.
“I am especially grateful to local residents for the patience they have shown while the road closure has been in place and for following the diversions that have been in operation.”
(Images courtesy of Network Rail)
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