Council secures funding for repairs to the iconic Winnington Swing Bridge

The Department for Transport has today announced that Cheshire West and Chester Council will receive £780,000 funding for vital repairs to Winnington Swing Bridge in Barnton.

The funding has been awarded through the Government’s Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund, which involved a competitive bidding process. 

The grade II-listed swing bridge was built in 1909 replacing an earlier version, and works involve strengthening the electrically-operated structure to ensure that it continues to connect our communities.  The works are scheduled to begin in the coming months and more details will be communicated once the delivery programme is finalised.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore, said: “The Department of Transport has informed us that this year’s funding bid was heavily oversubscribed, so this is really good news and a positive endorsement of our continued efforts to maintain important transport infrastructure.

“This additional funding is a much needed initial boost to our Highways service but the Council also recognises the need for complementary improvements along the Winnington corridor for all road users.  Therefore, working alongside the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, we are currently undertaking a multi-modal feasibility study that will conclude in Spring and the Council will then explore further funding opportunities to deliver its recommendations.”

This round of the Government’s Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund will see 33 local authorities awarded share of £93.4 million for the repair of roads and bridges.