People power has prevailed over Cheshire West and Chester Council’s plan to make permanent the temporary road layout around the Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge, which would have added extra time and miles to motorists’ journeys.
Residents overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to prohibit traffic heading north from the A56 Sutton Causeway turning right off the bridge on to the A56 Chester Road, facilitating the removal of the existing traffic signal junction.
Two-hundred and forty-two of the 267 responses the council received during the formal consultation period were opposed to the traffic regulation order, which even drew objections from Cheshire Constabulary , Arriva North West, Frodsham Town Council , Graham Evans MP and the Cyclists’ Touring Club.
The most commonly cited reasons were road safety concerns, the environmental impact of vehicles having further to travel, the extra costs and the likelihood of vehicles using other, less suitable roads.
If the council’s proposal had been given the green light, motorists wishing to travel to Sutton Weaver would have had to continue along A557 Clifton Road, around Clifton Road Roundabout and back along A557 Clifton Road before turning left into A56 Chester Road.
The Highways Agency also raised concerns regarding the impact on their network, particularly around Junction 12 of the M56.
A potential increase in the risks for cyclists was identified as well.
Refurbishment work to ensure the swing bridge could continue to carry its capacity of 40 tonnes began in earnest last year and is expected to be completed this autumn, when the road layout will revert to the original traffic light-controlled junction.
Cllr Lynn Riley , executive member for localities, said: “I would like to thank everyone who made their voices heard during this consultation.
“It was important to seek the views of users of the bridge, along with those of the Police, before any major changes were implemented.
“Before the bridge is re-opened, minor changes will be made to the existing signalised junction to improve overall capacity and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Development group Steppingstone, which is owned by local businessman Steve O’Connor, had proposed to construct a full-sized roundabout on land it owns adjacent to the bridge as an alternative solution to traffic challenges in the area.
Its own consultation attracted 726 responses.
Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans, who also made a formal objection to the traffic regulation order, said he is ‘delighted’ the original road layout will be reinstated.
“I have been working closely with residents and councillors alike opposing the plans to make the current layout permanent and I am very pleased that Cheshire West and Chester Council have listened to local concerns,” he said.
“This shows that local people can have a real impact on how their area is run."
