Nantwich Road Bridge

Summary:

An assessment of the bridge has identified that it has reduced structural capacity and as a

result a temporary 7.5 structural weight limit is being implemented via Cheshire East Council

from Monday 29 September 2025 onwards.

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/baddington-lane-a530.aspx

The bridge is owned by the Historic Railways Estate (HRE). The bridge is subject to ongoing

investigations and the long-term solution will be considered based on the outcomes of these

investigations and further work between CEC and HRE.

Action to date:

The Bridge sits within Sound and District Parish Council and the Cheshire East Audlem Ward.

As its councillor I supported Sound PC in a recent site visit with Highways Officers at the Bridge,

predominantly focussed on road safety but also raised concern as to ‘state of the bridge’ and

potential impact of closure of the A530; I received, in confidence, a verbal notification of the

proposed weight limit, late on Thursday evening.

Since then, along with parish councillors, I have worked to ensure that, as far as possible, local

logistic firms are notified of this limit in advance of its implementation.

Both myself and James Pearson, Wrenbury Ward Councillor, have secured a meeting with CE

Highways in the coming week as while the proposed diversionary route the A49 and A534 seeks

to protect ‘our rural villages and roads’ , we are concerned that:

• A timely solution for the bridge is now actively sourced;
• Seek assurance as to regular maintenance/attention to diversionary signage;
• Seek assurance as to how the proposed diversion route will be enforced;
• How CE will protect the network of rural lanes including the risk of ‘rat runs’;
• How CE will work with police and fire services in this regard to protect road safety;
• How CE will continue to engage with businesses.
• How CE will engage with local Parish Councils.

I also hope to meet with representatives of affected Parish Councils this week to hear their

views and thoughts, particularly as to how the likelihood of ‘rat runs’ can be mitigated.

I would be grateful if you could let me know of your concerns/thoughts not only now but as the

Weight Limit comes into force.

Rachel Bailey

Cheshire East Councillor : Audlem Ward