WINNINGTON Bridge is set for a second closure to traffic next weekend while vital repair work takes place.

Following a closure for almost two weeks in August, the second of three scheduled roadworks is due to take place from 10pm on Friday, September 25, to 5am on Monday, September 28.

The closure will enable a new deck and beam to be installed.

The bridge links Barnton and Winnington over the River Weaver, and traffic travelling between Runcorn Road and Winnington Lane will face a lengthy diversion - with Cheshire West and Chester Council advising motorists to use the A49 and A556 to Hartford.

CWAC is working with the Canal and River Trust on the project to restore the 110-year-old, Grade II-listed bridge.

Richard Spencer, project team leader for the Canal and River Trust, added: “Teams will be working 24 hours a day to ensure the works are finished on time.

"We continue to monitor the bridge structure while we carry out the repairs and will be working closely with the council to complete the project and secure the future of this key heritage structure." 

A third closure is scheduled to take place from 10pm on Friday, October 9, to 5am on Monday, October 12, to carry out surfacing and walkway repairs.

CWAC says the work should prevent longer, more disruptive closures should the bridge’s condition deteriorate further, while also preventing the need for a 7.5-tonne weight restriction.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport, said: "This is the second in a series of three closures that will be needed for this project.

"Work so far has been carried out underneath the bridge and has not been visible to the public but a closure is needed for the next phase.

"These are vital works and I’d like to thank residents for their patience and support while are completed.

"Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge at all times and will be safely directed away from the works."

Last month, the Guardian revealed that two options are being considered for a second bridge over the Weaver between Winnington and Barnton.

One is for a single lane bridge to run alongside the existing Winnington Bridge, with one-way traffic flowing on each one.

The second option is a new roadway that would require two bridges to link Runcorn Road with Winnington Lane close to the junction with Solvay Road.

CWAC is now set to consider the costs and benefits of each option before it can look for funding from the Department for Transport.