A533 (M56) Expressway bridge replacement

We’re replacing the existing bridge that carries the A533 Chester Road over the M56.

Start date January 2022
End date Summer 2023
Cost £27 million

Latest updates

  • 11 September 2023

    Major work completed

    All of our major work on the A533 Expressway bridge replacement scheme has now been completed. There are no more planned closures of the M56 as part of the project.

    A huge thank you for your patience while we completed our essential work.

    Street lighting

    Two-way traffic lights will be in place on the A533 Expressway overnight between 8pm and 6am on Friday 15 September. These are required to enable us to install street lighting on the A533, between the Castle Green and the Murdishaw roundabouts.

    Tree planting

    The planting of trees and shrubbery will take place in autumn. No closures will be needed for this work to be carried out.

    If you have any feedback about the scheme, please email: a533expresswaybridge@nationalhighways.co.uk.

  • 01 August 2023

    Final works underway

    We are now completing final finishing works on the bridge and roads approaching the structure. Thank you for your ongoing patience while we complete our work.

    Temporary overnight traffic lights on the A533

    Two-way traffic lights will be in place on the A533 Expressway overnight between 8pm and 6am for three weeks in August. This is so temporary surfacing can be removed from outside the compound and footpaths can be reinstated.

    The traffic lights will be in place between Castle Green Roundabout and the new overbridge from:

    • Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August, 8pm-6am
    • Monday 7 August to Friday 11 August, 8pm-6am
    • Monday 14 August to Friday 18 August, 8pm-6am

    One full overnight closure of the A533 Expressway will be needed to complete road surfacing. The date will be confirmed nearer the time.

    Tree planting

    The planting of trees and shrubbery will take place in autumn. No closures will be needed for this work to be carried out.

  • 21 June 2023

    Overnight bridge closures in June

    We are pleased that the new A533 Expressway bridge is now open for use.

    There are some finishing works to be completed on the bridge and the roads approaching the structure. 

    To do this safely, we need to close the bridge overnight (7pm to 6am) Monday to Friday throughout June. We'll also be closing the A56 between the rail bridge and the A533 at the same time.

    Thank you for your ongoing patience while we complete our work.

    Overnight motorway closures

    Our maintenance colleagues are carrying out essential work on the M56.

    To complete this work safely, junction 11 to 12 westbound only, will be closed overnight (8.30pm to 5am) from Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 June.

    Old bridge demolition complete

    The old bridge was successfully demolished recently. To do this, we needed to close the M56 and A533 Expressway in both directions for two full weekends. These closures were carefully planned to avoid bank holiday weekends.

    Watch how we carried out the bridge demolition in the video below.

    Thank you for bearing with us while we progressed our work.

    How did we do?

    Please take a moment to share your feedback with the project team by completing a short survey.

    Answer six quick questions to help us improve communications on future schemes.

  • 31 March 2023

    Bridge closures planned in April

    We are almost ready to open the new bridge for traffic.

    To make final preparations, we need to close the A533 (M56) Expressway bridge for two full weekends and overnight on a number of occasions in April. This is so we can complete surfacing work and paint new road markings to join the existing A533 Expressway to the new bridge.   

    Access via the bridge will be maintained for walkers and cyclists, who’ll be assisted through the closures. Diversion routes will be fully signposted for drivers, making use of the local A558 and A533 roads.

    The A533 Expressway bridge will be closed on the following:

    • 7pm Friday 14 April to 6am Monday 17 April
    • Monday 17 April to Thursday 20 April, 7pm to 6am
    • 7pm Friday 21 April to 6am Monday 24 April

    View the A533 westbound diversion and A533 eastbound diversion.

    The new bridge will be open for traffic at 6am on Monday 17 April.

  • 21 February 2023

    Planned upcoming closures

    A533 Expressway bridge closed

    We need to close the A533 Expressway bridge during the day on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February, between 8am and 4pm. This is so new communication lines can be connected to the existing network.

    Bridge access for walkers and cyclists will be maintained at all times, who'll be assisted through the closure.

    The A533 Expressway bridge will be closed on the following:

    • Saturday 25 February, 8am to 4pm
    • Sunday 26 February, 8am to 4pm

    See the A533 Expressway bridge eastbound diversion and A533 Expressway bridge westbound diversion.

    M56 overnight lane closures

    At the end of February and into March, we’ll need to reduce the M56 down to one lane in both directions. This will be overnight only, between junctions 11 and 12.  

    The lane closures will be in place for two weeks, Monday to Friday, between 9pm and 6am. This is so we can work on the walls, which support the bridge on either side of the motorway.

    Lane closures will be in place overnight on:

    • Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March, between 9pm and 6am
    • Monday 6 to Friday 10 March, between 9pm and 6am

    Thank you for bearing with us while we progress these works.

  • 01 February 2023

    Planned upcoming closures

    M56 full overnight closures

    In February we need to close the M56 overnight in both directions between junctions 11 and 12. This is for three nights, from 9pm to 6am.

    The M56 will be closed on the following dates:

    • Wednesday 8 February, 9pm to 6am
    • Thursday 9 February, 9pm to 6am
    • Friday 10 February, 9pm to 6am

    View the M56 junction 11 to 12 westbound diversion. 

    See the M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound diversion.

    A533 Expressway bridge closed

    In mid-February we’ll be closing the A533 Expressway bridge overnight, between Preston Brook and Murdishaw roundabout. This will be for two nights from 7pm to 6am. Pedestrians and cyclists will be assisted through the closure.

    The A533 Expressway bridge will be closed on the following:

    • Thursday 9 February, 7pm to 6am
    • Friday 10 February, 7pm to 6am

    See the A533 Expressway bridge eastbound diversion and A533 Expressway bridge westbound diversion.

    M56 overnight lane closures

    At the end of February and into March, we’ll need to reduce the M56 down to one lane in both directions. This will be overnight only, between junctions 11 and 12.  

    The lane closures will be in place for two weeks, Monday to Friday, between 9pm and 6am. This is so we can work on the walls, which support the bridge on either side of the motorway.

    Lane closures will be in place overnight on:

    • Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March, between 9pm and 6am
    • Monday 6 to Friday 10 March, between 9pm and 6am

    Thank you for bearing with us while we progress these works.

  • 20 January 2023

    M56 overnight closures postponed

    The full overnight closures of the M56, due to take place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January, have been postponed by one week.

    This is to allow for additional work to be carried out at the same time.

    Working in this way means we'll be reducing the number of weekend closures needed, minimising disruption on customers.

    The M56 junction 11 to 12 will now be closed overnight on:

    • Saturday 28 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Sunday 29 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Monday 30 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Tuesday 31 January, 9pm to 6am

    See the M56 junction 11 to 12 westbound diversion and the M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound diversion.

  • 20 December 2022

    Planned closures in early 2023

    M56 closed overnight in January 

    In January we’ll be closing the M56 overnight for four nights. The closure will be in place in both directions between junctions 11 and 12. This is to progress work on the new bridge.

    The M56 will be closed overnight on the following:

    • Saturday 21 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Sunday 22 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Saturday 28 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Sunday 29 January, 9pm to 6am

    See the M56 junction 11 to 12 westbound diversion and the M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound diversion.

    M56, overnight lane closures in January

    Towards the end of January, we’ll reduce the M56 down to one lane in both directions. This will be overnight only, for one week between junctions 11 and 12. This is so we can remove the temporary works from the new structure.

    Lane closures will be in place overnight on:

    • Monday 23 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Tuesday 24 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Wednesday 25 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Thursday 26 January, 9pm to 6am
    • Friday 27 January, 9pm and 6am

    M56, overnight lane closures in February and March

    At the end of February, we’ll reduce the M56 down to one lane in both directions. This will be overnight only, between junctions 11 and 12.  The lane closures will be in place for two weeks, Monday to Friday between 9pm and 6am. This is so we can work on the walls, which support the bridge on either side of the motorway.

    Lane closures will be in place overnight on:

    • Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March, between 9pm and 6am
    • Monday 6 March to Friday 10 March, between 9pm and 6am

  • 22 November 2022

    Overnight bridge and motorway closures in December

    A533 (M56) Expressway bridge

    At the beginning of December, we’ll need to close the A533 Expressway bridge for two nights. This will allow us to safely install power and communication cables across the road.

    We'll be closing the bridge overnight as follows:

    • Wednesday 7 December, 7pm to 6am
    • Thursday 8 December, 7pm to 6am

    A diversion route will be clearly signposted. The footway will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, who will be accompanied through the closure by a member of our team.

    M56 westbound, junction 11 to 12

    In December we’ll also need to close the M56 westbound, between junctions 11 and 12, for five nights.

    This will enable us to carry out essential work on the bridge bearings, which help support the weight of the bridge deck.

    The M56 westbound junction 11 to 12 will be closed on the following:

    • Monday 12 December, 9pm to 6am
    • Tuesday 13 December, 9pm to 6am
    • Wednesday 14 December, 9pm to 6am
    • Thursday 15 December, 9pm to 6am
    • Friday 16 December, 9pm to 6am

    Thank you for bearing with us while we carry out this essential improvement work.   

  • 01 November 2022

    New bridge lifted into position

    At the end of October, we closed the M56 and the A533 for a full weekend. The closure allowed us to successfully lift the new bridge into place across the motorway.

    The 67-metre steel structure was built off-site and transported from the site compound using special machinery, due to its size and weight.

    Watch this short video showing the new bridge deck on its journey from the site compound.

    We also took the opportunity to carry out as much other work as possible. This included removing narrow lanes on the M56 in both directions and installing new drainage and technology cabling.

    Additionally, we completed structural surveys and carried out maintenance work on the motorway. By doing this we have reduced the need for more M56 closures in the future, helping minimise disruption on road users.

  • 25 October 2022

    Motorway and bridge to close this weekend

    This weekend, we’ll be closing the M56 in both directions for one full weekend to lift the new bridge into position.

    The closure will be in place between junctions 11 (Preston Brook) and 12 (Sutton Weaver), from 9pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 31 October 2022. At the same time, we’ll also need to close the A533 Expressway bridge.

    Clearly signed diversions will be in place. These are shown below. Motorists are asked to follow these during the closures. Please do not use satnav when following a diversion. Thank you for bearing with us.

    Watch this short animation showing what work we'll be carrying out over the weekend.

    M56 junction 11 to 12 diversion

    A533 Expressway bridge diversion

    A56 now closed for two weeks

    We have closed close a section of the A56 to carry out essential drainage works. The road is closed from the junction with the A533 (Murdishaw roundabout) to the junction with Station Road.

    The closure will be in place for two weeks from 6am Monday 24 October to 9pm Sunday 6 November 2022. The diversion will add around 10 minutes to your journey time. View the A56 diversion route.

    Access will be available to local residents and businesses located inside the closure at all times. This will be via a controlled access point at the junction with Station Road.

    Removal of narrow lanes on M56

    From Monday 24 October, we will start to remove the narrow lanes on the M56, between junctions 11 and 12. To do this, we’ll need one week of overnight closures.

    The following closures are planned:

    Monday 24 October

    • M56 westbound closed overnight (9pm to 6am) between junction 11 and 12
    • M56 eastbound reduced to one lane overnight (9pm to 6am) between junction 12 and 11

    Tuesday 25 October

    • M56 eastbound closed overnight (9pm to 6am) between junction 12 and 11

    Wednesday 26 October

    • M56 westbound closed overnight (9pm to 6am) between junction 11 and 12

    Thursday 27 October

    • M56 reduced to one lane overnight (9pm to 6am) in both directions (eastbound and westbound) between junction 11 and 12

    Friday 28 October – full weekend closure

    • M56 closed in both directions between junction 11 and 12
    • A533 closed in both directions

    How to find out more

    If you’d like to sign up to receive our weekly traffic management bulletins, email: a533expresswaybridge@nationalhighways.co.uk.

  • 03 October 2022

    M56 westbound will be closed this weekend

    Work to replace safety barriers on the M56 westbound between junction 11 (Preston Brook) and 12 (Clifton Roundabout/Rocksavage Interchange) will take place during a full closure this weekend.

    The closure, which has been postponed from September, will be in place between 9pm Friday 7 October and 6am Monday 10 October.

    Delays are expected, please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Motorway and bridge weekend closure approaching

    Towards the end of this month, we’ll be closing the M56 in both directions for one full weekend to lift the new bridge into position.

    The closure will be in place between junctions 11 and 12, from 9pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 31 October. At the same time, we’ll also need to close the A533 Expressway bridge.

    Clearly signed diversions will be in place. These are shown below. Motorists are asked to follow these during the closures. Please do not use satnav when following a diversion. Thank you for bearing with us.

    How to find out more

    If you’d like to sign up to receive our weekly traffic management bulletins, email: a533expresswaybridge@nationalhighways.co.uk.

  • 28 September 2022

    New weekend closure date confirmed for M56 westbound

    Work scheduled to take place on the M56 last weekend (24 and 25 September) did not go ahead as planned. This was due to safety concerns relating to operatives working near unstable barriers.

    As a result, the M56 westbound between junctions 11 (Preston Brook) and 12 (Clifton Roundabout/Rocksavage Interchange) was reopened to traffic ahead of schedule on the morning of Saturday 24 September. All three lanes remained open over the weekend.

    The work to replace safety barriers will now take place during a full weekend next month. The closure will be in place on the M56 westbound between junction 11 and 12 from 9pm Friday 7 October until 6am Monday 10 October.

    Delays are expected, please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Motorway and bridge weekend closure approaching

    Towards the end of October, we’ll be closing the M56 in both directions for one full weekend to lift the new bridge into position. At the same time, we’ll also need to close the A533 Expressway bridge.

    Closure dates and times

    M56 closed between junctions 11 and 12, westbound only. 9pm Friday 7 October until 6am Monday 10 October.

    M56 closed between junctions 11 and 12, in both directions, and A533 Expressway bridge closed in both directions. 9pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 31 October.

    Clearly signed diversions will be in place. These are shown below. Motorists are asked to follow these during the closures. Please do not use satnav when following a diversion. Thank you for bearing with us.

    How to find out more

    If you’d like to sign up to receive our weekly traffic management bulletins, email: a533expresswaybridge@nationalhighways.co.uk.

  • 30 August 2022

    August update

    Motorway and bridge weekend closures approaching

    As part of our work to replace the A533 Expressway bridge we’re closing the M56, between junctions 11 and 12 in a single direction, for two full weekends in September and October 2022.

    The closures will allow us to install new safety barriers in preparation for the new bridge. The A533 Expressway will remain open during these closures.

    Towards the end of October, we’ll be closing the M56 in both directions for one full weekend to lift the new bridge into position. At the same time, we’ll also need to close the A533 Expressway bridge.

    Closure dates and times

    M56 closed between junctions 11 and 12, westbound only. 9pm Friday 23 September until 6am Monday 26 September.

    M56 closed between junctions 12 and 11, eastbound only. 9pm Friday 30 September until 6am Monday 3 October.

    M56 closed between junctions 11 and 12, in both directions, and A533 Expressway bridge closed in both directions. 9pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 31 October.

    Clearly signed diversions will be in place. These are shown below. Motorists are asked to follow these during the closures. Please do not use satnav when following a diversion.

    Delays are expected, please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys. Thank you for bearing with us.

    How to find out more

    If you’d like to sign up to receive our weekly traffic management bulletins, email: a533expresswaybridge@nationalhighways.co.uk.

  • 22 July 2022

    Full overnight closures in August and September

    We need to close the M56 motorway overnight between junctions 11 and 12, on a number of dates in August and September.

    This is so we can pour concrete for the central pier. The central pier will support the new bridge when it is lifted into position later this year.

    The motorway will only be closed in one direction. Diversion routes for both the eastbound and westbound closures are available to view below.

    Cancelled - Monday 8 to Friday 12 August, M56 eastbound

    The planned closures this week have been rescheduled. They will now take place the week commencing Monday 22 August.

    Monday 15 to Friday 19 August, M56 eastbound

    M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am for five nights from Monday 15 August to Friday 19 August 2022. The westbound carriageway will be open as normal. View eastbound diversion route below.

    Please note, the M56 junction 6 to 8 motorway upgrade scheme will have overnight closures on the westbound carriageway, between junction 5 and 8 at the same time.

    New - Monday 22 August to Wednesday 24 August, M56 eastbound

    M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am for three nights from Monday 22 August to Wednesday 24 August.

    The westbound carriageway will be open as normal. View eastbound diversion route below.  

    Monday 5 September and Tuesday 6 September, M56 eastbound

    M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am on Monday 5 September and Tuesday 6 September 2022. The westbound carriageway will be open as normal. View eastbound diversion route below.

    Wednesday 7 September and Thursday 8 September, M56 westbound

    M56 junction 11 to 12 westbound will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am on Wednesday 7 September and Thursday 8 September 2022. The eastbound carriageway will be open as normal. View westbound diversion route below. 

    Monday 26 September and Tuesday 27 September, M56 westbound

    M56 junction 11 to 12 westbound will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am on Monday 26 September and Tuesday 27 September 2022. The eastbound carriageway will be open as normal. View westbound diversion route below. 

    Wednesday 28 September and Thursday 29 September, M56 eastbound

    M56 junction 12 to 11 eastbound will be closed overnight, between 9pm and 6am on Wednesday 28 September and Thursday 29 September 2022. The westbound carriageway will be open as normal. View eastbound diversion route below.

    New video shows beams arriving to site

    This short video shows the new bridge beams arriving at our site compound. Each beam weighs the equivalent of 45 elephants.

    Delivery of the beams marks a key milestone for the project. Construction of the new bridge will continue at the compound. This means we can keep the existing bridge open to minimise disruption to drivers.

    The new bridge is expected to open for traffic in summer 2023.

  • 24 June 2022

    Two weeks of overnight closures in July

    A533 Expressway bridge

    We’re planning some important works on the A533 Expressway bridge.

    We need to close the bridge overnight in both directions for two weeks from Monday 4 July. The closures will be in place from 7pm to 6am, Monday to Friday only. The bridge will be open as usual on Saturday and Sunday nights.

    The closures will allow us to carry out a variety of work. This includes planning for new drainage and building new kerb lines. Other teams will also be using the closures to complete important structural surveys on the bridge, reducing disruption to our customers.

    The A533 Expressway bridge will be closed on the following:  

    Week one

    • Monday 4 July, 7pm-6am
    • Tuesday 5 July, 7pm-6am
    • Wednesday 6 July, 7pm-6am
    • Thursday 7 July, 7pm-6am
    • Friday 8 July, 7pm-6am

    Week two

    • Monday 11 July, 7pm-6am
    • Tuesday 12 July, 7pm-6am
    • Wednesday 13 July, 7pm-6am
    • Thursday 14 July, 7pm-6am
    • Friday 15 July, 7pm-6am

    Clearly signed diversions will be in place and can be viewed at the bottom of this page.

    Upcoming M56 closures

    June – one overnight lane closure, westbound only

    On Monday 27 June, there will be an overnight lane closure, westbound from junction 11 of the M56. This will be in place between 9pm and 6am. One lane will be open for traffic, for around 4km.

    July – full overnight closures, westbound only

    We need to close the westbound carriageway of the M56 between junction 11 and 12, overnight, for four nights in July. There will also be an eastbound single lane closure for safety reasons, as a crane will be in operation.

    These dates are:

    • Monday 18 July, 9pm to 6am
    • Tuesday 19 July, 9pm to 6am
    • Wednesday 20 July, 9pm to 6am
    • Thursday 21 July, 9pm to 6am

  • 01 April 2022

    Temporary traffic lights removed from the A533 bridge

    A533

    The temporary two-way traffic lights that were in place on the A533 have now been removed.

    The signals were needed so we could work on the bridge, while maintaining two-way access for motorists.

    Our equipment is now positioned on a platform to the side of the road (as shown in the image below). This allows traffic to flow freely in both directions while we carry out the next phase of our work.

    Image showing how our equipment is now positioned on a platform to the side of the road.

    If you travel across the bridge, you’ll see piling rigs working during the day. These are drilling piles into both sides of the motorway and the central reservation, ready to support the new bridge.

    M56

    There are narrow lanes on the M56, between junction 11 and 12. These will remain in place until autumn, with three lanes open for traffic, in both directions.

    The reduced speed limit of 50mph will continue on the 2.4km stretch of the M56 to ensure safety is maintained for our operatives and road users.

  • 14 March 2022

    Temporary two-way traffic lights in place until the end of March

    A533

    The temporary two-way traffic lights on the A533 will remain in place until the end of March. This is slightly longer than planned and is a result of the storms last month. We apologise for any issues this may cause.

    The temporary signals are needed so that we can maintain a two-way access for motorists, while we work on the bridge. The following image shows how we're currently working.

    The image shows how two-way access for motorists is maintained while we work on the bridge

    When the work is finished later this month, we’ll position our equipment on a platform to the side of the road (as shown in the image below).

    This will allow traffic to flow freely in both directions, while we carry out the next phase of our work.

    Later this month, we'll be repositioning our equipment to the side of the road

    During peak-hours, we expect there to be some delays. Please allow additional time and check your journey before you travel.

    We’ve also closed one side of the footpath along the bridge. Pedestrians will be directed to the other side, ensuring access is maintained at all times.

    M56

    At the beginning of March, we installed narrow lanes on both sides of the M56, between junction 11 and 12.

    These narrow lanes will remain in place for around six months. Three lanes of traffic will remain open on the M56 in both directions, while the bridge pier is built in the central reservation.

    The reduced speed limit of 50mph will continue on the 2.4km stretch of the M56 to ensure safety is maintained for our operatives and road users.

  • 04 February 2022

    Temporary two-way traffic lights and upcoming closures

    As we progress our work, further traffic management is planned on the A533 Expressway Bridge, and the M56. Below is a breakdown of what is planned next:

    A533

    From 14 February for around four weeks, we plan to have temporary two-way traffic lights on the A533. This is to allow room for specialist equipment to be placed on the bridge, whilst also maintaining a two-way access for motorists. The equipment will be used to help install a retaining wall for the new bridge supports.

    During peak-hours, we expect there to be some delays. Please allow additional time and check your journey before travel. 

    Additionally, an overnight full closure is required to safety install the traffic lights and work site area. This will be in place on Sunday 13 February, between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

    We will also need to close one side of the footpath along the bridge. Pedestrians will be diverted to the other side ensuring access is maintained at all times.

    M56

    In March, we plan to install narrow lanes on both sides of the M56, between junction 11 and 12. To safely install the narrow lanes, overnight full closures will take place as follows:

    • M56 eastbound carriageway
      • from 9pm Thursday 3 March to 6am Friday 4 March
      • from 9pm Saturday 5 March to 6am Sunday 6 March
    • M56 westbound carriageway
      • From 9pm Friday 4 March to 6am Saturday 5 March
      • From 9pm Sunday 6 March to 6am Monday 7 March

    The narrow lanes will be in place for around six months. It will allow three lanes of traffic to remain open on the M56 in both directions, whilst the bridge pier is built in the central reservation. The reduced speed limit of 50mph will continue on the 2.4km stretch of the M56 to ensure safety is maintained for our operatives and road users.

  • 31 January 2022

    Overnight closure of A533 overbridge

    Tomorrow evening (1 February), we need to close part of the A533 to safely install a 125m barrier. This will be in place between the hours of 10pm and 5am. The closure will be on the eastbound side of the carriageway from Murdishaw roundabout heading towards Preston Brook. 

    Clear signed diversion routes will be in place, and for more information see diversion route maps below.

See more updates

Project information

Overview

The M56/A533 Expressway Bridge is a concrete bridge that carries the Chester Road combined with the A533 over the M56 motorway. The bridge is located between junctions 11 and 12 and is a vital local link, providing access across the M56 to Runcorn from Preston Brook and Northwich.

We plan to replace the existing structure with a new 67m two-span concrete bridge, consisting of a single two-lane carriageway and a combined footpath/cycleway. The replacement of this bridge will ensure an increased life span of over 120 years for road users, maintaining safety in the long term.

A substantial part of the project will be built off site to minimise disruption and we’ll keep the existing bridge open whilst we construct the new bridge. On completion, traffic will be transferred to the new structure to continue the flow of traffic and allow for the demolition of the existing bridge structure.

The existing structure has reached the end of its serviceable life and therefore needs to be replaced to maintain and improve this important link for motorists, pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.

The aims of the scheme are to:

  • design and build a replacement of the A533 Expressway Bridge
  • demolish and remove the existing A533 Expressway Bridge structure
  • reinstate the M56 motorway to its original state prior to implementation of the A533 Expressway Bridge propping scheme
  • ensure road users and the community are not adversely affected
  • improve accessibility for cyclists, walkers and other vulnerable road users of the local road network

M56 westbound between junctions 11 and 12

M56 eastbound between junctions 12 and 11

A533 Overbridge westbound closure

A533 Overbridge eastbound closure

Documents

Traffic information

Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.

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0300 123 5000

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