Deck repairs costing £1.5 million to Acton Swing Bridge near Northwich will begin on January 23.
The work has been arranged by the Canal and River Trust and is being funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council. Contractors Kier will carry out the repairs, which are expected to be complete by July 2017.
The 84-year old bridge carries the A49 over the River Weaver.
The works will deliver a fully refurbished bridge deck, including strengthening works to the underside of the bridge as well as improvements to the bridge appearance.
During the works, the towpath underneath the bridge and the pedestrian walkway over the bridge will remain open as far as is reasonably practicable.
While the works take place the traffic over the bridge will be restricted to one lane which will be operated by traffic lights.
A height restriction up to 2.5m for boats will also be in place underneath the bridge between January 23 and March 31 and the bridge will not be able to swing during these times.
The council’s Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore, said: “The council is committed to ongoing investment in our highway network and has provided the full funding for these repairs. This project shows excellent partnership working between the Canal and River Trust and the council.
“The route is important to both the borough and the local community. Traffic lights will be manually-operated during peak hours to minimise the impact of these works.”
Richard Spencer, project manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be starting this work in January in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council. The project we’re carrying out will mean the 84-year-old bridge is refurbished for the thousands of vehicles who use this vital bridge everyday.”
