Chamber backs calls to end bridge ‘deadlock’ on major South Cheshire route

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce is backing businesses calling for urgent action to end the traffic misery caused by a lorry ban on Baddington Bridge, Nantwich.

A ‘temporary’ 7.5 tonne structural weight limit was implemented on the bridge on the A530 Whitchurch Road late last summer after inspections found it was no longer safe for vehicles above that weight. The A530 is a main trunk road to Whitchurch and beyond.

Months on, the ban is still in place, sending HGVs on a lengthy 30-mile diversion that adds over an hour to journeys along Cheshire country roads. Protestors say it is damaging to both businesses and the environment, adding a huge increase in CO₂ emissions.

The Chamber, which represents the business interests of many major employers, is to raise the issue with Cheshire East Council and the bridge owners, Historic Railway Estate.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “This closure is not a minor inconvenience – it is a direct blow to businesses that keep South Cheshire moving.

“For HGV drivers, this bridge is a vital artery, and shutting it without a workable alternative hits the local business community hard, increasing costs and putting local jobs at risk.

“What was flagged as a ‘temporary’ restriction has dragged on for months and now into the New Year with still no strengthening works or prospect of them happening any time soon.

“We understand the frustration. The railway line closed decades ago and we now have a crazy situation where concern for a decaying structure is taking priority over local needs.

“Businesses cannot be expected to absorb disruption of this scale without an update or end in sight and we support them in saying enough is enough.”

The bridge, over the dismantled Nantwich to Market Drayton railway line, remains open to vehicles under 7.5 tonnes but with traffic management. The bridge itself is in a deplorable state for a main trunk road.

Chamber Chair Robert Parton (pictured) owner of Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina, added: “Every extra mile forced onto an HGV route is another cost pushed onto local businesses.

“The diversion route cuts through South Cheshire countryside and as owner of a rural business, I’m also concerned about the environmental impact and nuisance to local residents.

“Baddington Bridge is on an important major transit route and has been a dangerous and decaying asset for many years.

“The indefinite closure due to its poor condition should have been predicted and the closure prevented. Not having a plan in place for its replacement is having a real economic and environmental impact for both local residents and businesses, and is inexcusable.

“The Chamber will do everything in its power to end the deadlock.”

Edward Lea, managing director at HJ Lea Oakes animal feed manufacturers in Aston, has joined South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce in making representations to the council and local MPs.

“The ban has been in place since September and still no sign of any strengthening works, he said.

“It’s frustrating as the railway line is defunct and the bridge could easily be replaced by a road.

“Meanwhile our drivers have to take a 30-mile detour towards Tarporley to get onto the motorway network and cars are restricted to one-way red lights causing tailbacks.

“The lights themselves have been there three years so we’re concerned the weight restriction could drag on for months if not years impacting our business as well as others.”

HRE, owned by the Department of Transport for the past 10 years, consists of over 3,000 former railway structures, including tunnels, viaducts, abutments and bridges.

Baddington Bridge crosses the old Nantwich to Market Drayton railway line which opened in 1863. It closed in the 1960s, so there have been 60 years or more to deal with this problem.

The Chamber of Commerce, a leading member of the British Chambers of Commerce, has also pledged to push the issue at national level.

Meanwhile Cheshire East has released this statement:

Cllr Mark Goldsmith, chair of the council’s highways and transport committee, said: “This is a complex civil engineering project and we are working hard to find a solution – one that will allow all vehicles to safely use the impacted section of Baddington Lane.

 “As the council does not own the bridge, this is a sensitive matter to resolve – we cannot simply start works. There is also a cost implication that needs to be considered. However, we understand the difficulties being faced and recognise the frustrations experienced in the business community.

 “The council has an options study in place to identify and review the possible solutions available and to establish the associated costs they would incur to implement. We expect this report to be finalised next month.

 “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to anyone affected by the restrictions and particularly to Cheshire East businesses that have been impacted. However, we must prioritise public safety before we can reopen this section of highway fully to all road users.”