Work on new Windle Hill Bridge in Neston will begin next month
Earlier this year Cheshire West and Chester Council announced that funding had been secured to replace Windle Hill Bridge in Cuckoo Lane, Neston.
After a lot of hard work and a few small delays a final programme has been put together which aims to see the new bridge installed by the end of December.
Manufacture of the bridge is expected to start next month and aims to be completed in late November whilst site preparation work takes place.
Installation should hopefully take place during the first and second week in December, weather permitting, followed by a celebratory opening.
The new bridge will be made from steel and a wood called Ekki, an incredibly strong and naturally durable timber.
Councillor Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways said:
This is wonderful news. When the new bridge opens later this year it will allow visitors, the local community and businesses to once again use the Wirral Way, connecting west Cheshire residents with residents in Wirral.
Originally constructed by volunteers of the 106 field squadron Royal Engineers during August 1969 the previous bridge had served the community for over fifty years.
The group were contacted by the Council, and although unable to help on this occasion, were fully supportive of the plans.
It was retired in April 2023 following an inspection which found safety concerns. The bridge was beyond practical repair and unsafe for use.
Funding was secured with contributions from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, S106 monies and capital funding.