A MULTI-MILLION pound project that will see a bridge over the M67 motorway in Denton completely replaced is underway.
The structure, which carries St Anne’s Road over the carriageway, will be taken out and a new one put in, with work set to take place until February 2026.
That means the entry slip road at junction two will be out of action for more than three years as the £23 million scheme takes place.
Despite the inevitable traffic problems it will cause, not least for people living close to the bridge, National Highways insists replacement is the best option.
It says its ‘outdated style of construction’ is one of the main reasons.
It said: “We have explored many potential options for repairing the bridge and have concluded that the best solution is to replace the bridge entirely.
“This is quicker, safer, and more practical than repairing it.
“Due to the extent of the structural work required, the bridge and the entry slip road joining the M67 at junction 2 will need to remain closed for approximately three years.
“One of the reasons the construction project will take so long is that the bridge carries local utilities, including gas, electricity, and water pipelines, which we will need to divert during our work to make sure your utilities always remain on.
“Not taking action to repair the bridge risks the safety of road users in the future.”
National Highways feels replacing the bridge, which stands next to St Annes Church and primary school, will not only extend its lifespan but will remove restrictions for heavy goods vehicles, allow utility pipelines running across it to be renewed and bring in new barriers to improve safety and accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians.
After the bridge closed at 9pm on Tuesday, January 10, it means St Anne’s Estate is largely cut off from the A57 Hyde Road.
However in a bid to reduce disruption, the closed section of St Anne’s Road near the former Penny Farthing pub will be reopened and will act as a diversion route.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also be able to use Angel Street footbridge.
From Monday, January 16, a short section of Hyde Road, approximately 75 metres in either direction of the junction with St Anne’s Road, will be reduced to one lane of traffic under a two-way traffic light system for approximately five weeks.
This is to allow United Utilities to conduct diversion works.