Crewe bridge overhaul improves journeys for road users and passengers

A major road bridge, which spans the railway between Crewe and Chester, has reopened following a five-month revamp to make it more reliable for road users above and rail passengers below.

Today (Friday 23 October), ‘Boulderstones Bridge’ on Middlewich Road (A530) was officially reopened after Network Rail completed its major overhaul.

The work, as part of the Railway Upgrade Plan, began in June and has brought the bridge up to modern standards and will make the railway crossing safer, more reliable and in need of less maintenance in future.

Oluwole Osenneye, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “Boulderstones bridge has been rebuilt as part of a £5.7m Railway Upgrade Plan investment that will help to future proof the rail network in Cheshire.

“We are very grateful to motorists, passengers and the local community for their patience while this vital work was completed.”

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “It was very important to get this major route up and running again and I’m delighted that we have been able to achieve this in the midst of the pandemic. 

“I am especially grateful to local residents for the patience they have shown while the road closure has been in place and for following the diversions that have been in operation.”

Network Rail has worked closely with Cheshire East Council and its contractor, J Murphy & Sons Ltd, to deliver the improvement work considerately and by keeping local people informed as the work progressed.