Highways chiefs are still in discussions with the Government about funding a complete £1.5 million replacement of Baddington Bridge near Nantwich.
The crumbling bridge on the busy A530 Whitchurch Road has had a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on it since September last year due to safety fears.
It has caused major delays and problems for large vehicles often using diversions through narrow rural lanes and villages.
Some HGVs are simply ignoring the restrictions, potentially causing more damage.
The bridge was flagged as needing work more than three years ago but a dispute between Cheshire East and Historic Railways Estate (HRE) over who should fund that work have led to delays.
Now Cheshire East Council has confirmed work could start in spring 2027 – and said they are still exploring a full £1.5 million bridge replacement scheme.
Cllr Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, told Nantwich News: “The council is continuing to progress the development of a long-term solution for Baddington Bridge.
“The next phase of work will involve ground investigations, which are currently scheduled to begin next month.
“These investigations will provide essential information to inform the bridge design and construction approach.
“Subject to the outcomes of these investigations, construction is currently anticipated to commence in spring 2027.
“This is a complex and extremely costly engineering project that must go through different phases including investigation, design, funding and procurement before any work can start.
“Unfortunately, there is no ‘off-the-shelf’ solution that we can just pick up and implement, so the timescales and cost estimates will be revised as we progress through the different stages of the project.
“We are also continuing to explore external funding opportunities and remain in discussion with the Department for Transport regarding potential support for the scheme.
“We recognise the impact the ongoing restrictions are having on local residents, businesses and road users, and we would like to thank everyone for their continued patience while this work progresses.
“Ensuring a safe, sustainable and deliverable solution for the bridge remains our priority.
“We are committed to keeping local communities and stakeholders updated as the project develops. The latest information, including project updates and key milestones, is available on our dedicated Baddington Bridge webpage.
“As this remains a complex engineering project, timescales will continue to be reviewed as further investigation work is completed.”
Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth aired her frustration at the delays last week, saying the timetable of works was “already slipping”.
Crewe & Nantwich MP Connor Naismith added: “The weight restrictions at Baddington Bridge are continuing to cause significant traffic issues for Nantwich and the surrounding area.
“Following the recent options study assessing how best to address both the bridge’s structural issues and the adjoining embankment slip, ecological surveys and a full topographical survey have now been completed.
“We have received confirmation that ground investigations are scheduled to begin in August 2026, with a view to beginning works in Spring 2027 depending on what is identified during the investigations.
“It’s disappointing that residents will have to deal with diverted HGV traffic well into next year, but I will keep pushing for a fully costed plan and concrete timetable once these studies have been carried out.”
We contacted Department of Transport twice last month but have still to receive a reply.
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