Sydney Road Bridge in Crewe reopened

Sydney Road Bridge in Crewe has been officially reopened following an £11m project to remove a major traffic 'pinch point'.
Work to replace the previous arched bridge with a new, wider structure capable of taking two-way traffic began in May last year, as part of Cheshire East Council's commitment to easing congestion in the town.

The improvement scheme – delivered by Network Rail on behalf of Cheshire East Council – includes a shared cycleway and footway over the bridge, a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing and improved cycle provision along Sydney Road.

The scheme is not only of huge benefit to motorists but important in helping to promote sustainable travel and enhancing access to key destinations, such as the Bentley factory and Leighton Hospital.

As part of the demolition process, two circular saws – the blades of which measured around 160cms in diameter – were used to cut the old bridge's arches into sections.

These were then lifted out by one of the largest cranes in the UK, capable of lifting up to 600 tonnes. Each of the crane's 14 counterweights weighed 10 tonnes – the equivalent of the average weight of five large cars.

In building the new bridge, 1,800 tonnes of concrete was used – enough to fill around four three-bedroom houses.

The piling, which provides the stability and strength for the ends of the bridge, goes 24m below ground. This is roughly the same depth as the height of the council's Delamere House building, in Crewe.

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