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Wednesday 21 Feb 2007

BRIDGE BENEFITS NOW BEING ENJOYED BY CREWE

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Rail passengers, road users, local people and businesses in Crewe are now benefiting from a £1.4 million scheme to strengthen Merrills Bridge. Work to strengthen the bridge, which carries the A532 over the Chester to north Wales line, began in July and has now been completed on time and the bridge reopened this morning (Wednesday 21 February). Jo Kaye, Area General Manager said: "This scheme will bring a number of benefits to the local community. The life of the structure has been extended by up to 120 years and will only require a minimal amount of maintenance over the next 25 years - good news for both road and rail users. The scheme also provides an alternative route through Crewe for heavy lorries, which should help to prevent congestion on the roads." Gwyneth Dunwoody MP said: "Well done everyone! Working together, Network Rail and Cheshire County Council have produced an excellent scheme that will provide a bridge for generations to come. Crewe needs good access and, although there has been a small amount of disruption for local residents and businesses, the benefits will be felt by everybody." The bridge was strengthened by Network Rail as part of the Bridgeguard 3 programme, which is checking nearly 1,000 bridges in the North West to ensure they are able to carry the large commercial road vehicles now permitted on Britain’s roads under recent EU legislation. Network Rail carried out all the work, which was funded by Cheshire County Council as part of a national scheme to assess bridges across the country to ensure they meet the latest European standards. Executive Member for Highways and Transportation John Burke said: "It's great news for local people that Merrill's bridge is now open again after extensive work. "The bridge works, designed by Cheshire County Council engineers, will improve access to Crewe and provide another route for lorries and other large vehicles to pass through the town." The work involved extensive brickwork repairs to the arch and side walls, including tying in dislodged bricks, replacing crumbling bricks (which had been affected by rain and frost), grouting and pointing. Once this had been done, the bridge deck was demolished and the structure was prepared to accept the new precast concrete beams, which were lifted into place using a crane. Finally the new concrete bridge deck was laid before the road surface was renewed. Now the work is complete the bridge can carry up to 40 tonne vehicles.