End in sight for ‘bridge too far’

An end could finally be in sight for the interminable bridge works at Adlington.

It’s estimated that repairs to Mill House Bridge, on the A523 Macclesfield-Poyton road will be completed by mid-October this year.

Traffic lights, supposedly temporary, were installed at the site more than a year ago following the collapse an arch that supported the bridge.

Repair work, which finally began last week, is expected to take 16 weeks. Over the last 12 months motorists have become increasingly frustrated with the situation.

MP Tim Roca even raised the issue in Parliament, branding delays as ‘simply unacceptable’.

Following news that an end date has been identified, Mr Roca said: “Like so many people in Macclesfield and the surrounding areas I have been extremely frustrated by the ongoing roadworks and traffic lights on Mill House Bridge.

“I am relieved to be informed that the permanent work phase will start. The repairs are anticipated to be completed by mid-October at which point the traffic lights will finally be removed.

“I am grateful for the renewed sense of urgency from the highways team since my Parliamentary debate of Cheshire roadworks in May.

“It has taken far too long to get to this stage and like most residents in the area I am filled with cautious optimism that this is finally going to be resolved.”

The traffic lights will remain at the site until work is finished.

Confusion over who was responsible for the repairs along with complexity caused by a nearby gas main are thought to be responsible for delays to the project.

A Cheshire East Council spokesman said: “Following a bridge inspection on Mill House Bridge, Adlington, we need to undertake comprehensive repairs to a collapsed section of the arch that provided support to the southbound traffic lane.

“Emergency temporary traffic signals will remain in place between the London Road junction and Hole House Lane until the bridge has been reconstructed and strengthened.

“We appreciate the significance of this key part of the borough’s road network, and we’ve committed full resources to ensure the work is finished as quickly as possible. Local businesses remain unaffected.”