Crewe & Nantwich MP Connor Naismith has heaped pressure on Cheshire East Council and the Dept for Transport to bring an end to the ongoing deadlock at Baddington Bridge.
The bridge on the A530 Whitchurch Road on the edge of Nantwich was closed back in September to heavy good vehicles due to safety fears over its deteriorating structure.
But since then both CEC and Historic Railway Estate (HRE), part of the DoT, have failed to agree who should pay for repairs or how the issue will be resolved.
Now Mr Naismith has sent a stinging letter to both organisations demanding the matter be resolved as it is placing “an unacceptable burden” on the local economy.
In the letter seen by Nantwich News, he said the “ongoing situation at Baddington Bridge on the A530, continues to cause significant disruption for local businesses, residents and road users in Crewe and Nantwich”.
The letter continues: “As you will be aware, the temporary 7.5-tonne weight restriction introduced in September remains in place, with no clear timetable for resolution.
“While I recognise that different statutory responsibilities sit with different organisations, the practical consequence is that the issue has now become entrenched, with no clear end in sight.
“This was highlighted again in an article published by The Nantwich News on 5th February 2026, in which the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce described the situation as a “deadlock” and warned that local firms are being “penalised through no fault of their own.”
“The Chamber further stated that the continued restriction is having a “serious impact on businesses” reliant on the A530 as a key route for trade, deliveries and access to markets.”
Mr Naismith said since the weight limit was imposed he had:
– Raised concerns directly with Cheshire East Council, particularly around the impact of diversion
routes on surrounding communities
– Sought clarity from the Historic Railway Estate regarding responsibility for the bridge structure and
the scope for remedial works
– Continued to engage with officers and stakeholders to understand what progress is being made
beyond interim traffic management measures
– Received repeated representations from businesses, hauliers and residents who are increasingly
frustrated by the lack of visible progress
He added: “What is now clear is that, regardless of where ultimate responsibility lies, the absence of a coordinated, time-framed plan is placing an unacceptable burden on the local economy.
“Businesses cannot plan, costs are rising, and confidence is being eroded, all while the restriction
remains described as “temporary” with no clear pathway to resolution.”
He has called for a clear and agreed route to resolve the issue, what actions are required, by whom, and on what timescale, and reassurance to those affected that the situation is “being actively resolved rather than simply managed”.
“I am keen to continue working constructively with all organisations involved to help bring this matter
to a conclusion.
“However, given the length of time this issue has persisted and the growing economic impact, I must be clear that I am prepared to pursue further action, including raising this matter formally in parliament, should progress continue to stall.
“I would welcome either a joint response or a meeting involving all relevant parties at the earliest opportunity to agree next steps.”
Currently, many heavy goods vehicles are facing a long 30-mile detour because of the weight limit of 7.5 tonnes, although it’s clear some HGV drivers are ignoring the signage.
Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “This is a complex civil engineering project and we are working hard to find a solution – one that will allow all vehicles to safely use the impacted section of Baddington Lane.
“As the council does not own the bridge, this is a sensitive matter to resolve – we cannot simply start works. There is also a cost implication that needs to be considered. However, we understand the difficulties being faced and recognise the frustrations experienced in the business community.
“The council has an options study in place to identify and review the possible solutions available and to establish the associated costs they would incur to implement. We expect this report to be finalised next month.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to anyone affected by the restrictions and particularly to Cheshire East businesses that have been impacted. However, we must prioritise public safety before we can reopen this section of highway fully to all road users.”
We have contacted Historic Railway Estate for comments and are awaiting replies.
It goes over the canal
If the bridge goes over a railway line that’s been gone for 60 years why not bulldoze the bridge in to the gap and tarmac over it?
If the bridge is strengthen or taken away. The fact still remains that the road is still unsuitable for HGV’S it is to narrow and on the bends the HGV’s have to give way to each other or they will it each other. They also damaged the edges of the highway and inflict rapid wear on the road surface due to there weight and the traction power that is applied to wheels. There are two solutions to this issue, a proper bypass or freight back on the railways. The latter is the best option.
How on earth is reduced HGV traffic past schools and houses causing any issue to Nantwich residents? I’d say campaign for a low emission zone in town and then the bridge issue will go away. If it’s safe enough for cars/light vehicles then no need to spend any money (which you haven’t got!). You can see where the lobbying is coming from here and it’s not from the people most affected!!