BEWILDERED drivers directed the wrong way around Northwich's ring road need look no further than one of the town's best known landmarks for the cause.
Canal & River Trust (CRT) is carrying out maintenance work on the historic Town Swing Bridge, requiring overnight road closures and temporary two-way traffic on Castle Street and Chester Way.
The charity is carrying out vital works on the grade II-listed wrought iron bridge, which carries the A533 over the Weaver Navigation in Northwich town centre, later this month.
The Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) carry out regular routine inspections of the bridge, which identified the timber threshold plate needs replacing.
Specialist contractors working on behalf of the Trust will now replace the plate, but to do so, the bridge needs to be swung open.
It will be closed overnight to all traffic during the project to minimise disruption, on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, from 7pm – 5am.
The road across the bridge, Watling Street, will be closed between Town Bridge and the Bull Ring.
While the closure is in place, temporary traffic arrangements will allow two-way traffic on Castle Street and Chester Way.
Diversion routes will be clearly signposted for drivers needing to travel across the river.
The closure only affects the bridge itself, with access for residents, businesses, and visitors maintained on surrounding roads.
Drivers are advised to check their route before travelling through Northwich town centre on these dates.
Cath Sheil, project manager at CRT, said: “The historic Town Swing Bridge and its sister structure, Hayhurst Swing Bridge, used groundbreaking technology when they first opened at the turn of the last century, and are still going strong 127-years later.
“We’ll be carrying out these vital repairs to the historic features sensitively, balancing the need to preserve the bridge’s important heritage assets with the operational demands of a heavily used vehicle route through Northwich.
“We really appreciate the local community’s patience and understanding whilst we carry out this maintenance work, and we apologise for any inconvenience the works may cause.”
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, CWAC cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration, and digital transformation, said: “CRT’s planned repairs are important to help ensure the continued safe use of Town Bridge for both motorists and pedestrians.
“We have worked closely with the Trust to facilitate their essential works and minimise disruption by enabling them to be undertaken overnight.
“We would like to thank residents, businesses, and road users for their patience and understanding while this necessary maintenance is carried out."
Opened in 1899, Town Swing Bridge was designed by John Arthur Sanur and built by Andrew Handyside and Co and features black and white asymmetrical bowstring lattice girder design.
Cath added: “Thousands of motorists use Town Swing Bridge every week, so it’s a priority for both the Trust and the council to keep it in good working order.
“These vital works will ensure the bridge is more resilient for many years to come.”
For more information about Canal & River Trust, including how to donate or volunteer, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.
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