Press release

A556 project reaching bridge construction landmarks

New pictures released by Highways England show construction of new bridges.

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A50 aerial view

Construction of new bridges and other structures as part of the new £192 million A556 Knutsford to Bowdon dual carriageway project is on schedule - as new pictures released by Highways England show.

In all, 7 new bridges over the new dual carriageway plus a pedestrian underpass are being provided along the length of the 4.5 mile new road which will replace the existing A556 link between the M6 and M56. Other work such as concrete retaining walls and repairs to 2 existing bridges are also being delivered.

A556 Tabley bridge

Jonathan Stokes, Highways England’s manager for the project, said:

It’s pleasing to see so much progress taking place with some of the bridges completed or nearing completion. Every week through the winter we have seen more of the new road taking shape and we are now gearing up for even faster progress as soon as the dry weather begins.

When it opens next year the new road will provide a quicker, more reliable link between the 2 motorways and free communities living along the existing route from traffic and congestion.

Progress on the new bridges includes:

  • completion of a pedestrian underpass providing a link between Old Hall Lane and the old A556 under the new road just north of the roundabout with junction 19 of the M6
  • completion of piers for a bridge at Tabley providing a link over the new road to maintain access to local traffic and the old A556
  • foundation bases for a bridge across the new road maintaining Bentleyhurst Lane, a minor public highway
  • work about to start on a ground-breaking ‘Green Bridge’ at Belt Wood providing farm access and habitat connectivity across the new road
  • installation of beams for the new bridge along the existing A50 at Mere taking traffic over the new dual carriageway and linking Mere to a new roundabout with a slip road onto the northbound A556.
  • completion of foundations for a bridge maintaining Chapel Lane over the new road
  • bridge beams about to be installed on a new bridge at Yarwood Heath Lane over the new dedicated link road to the M56 and linking the old A556 with the existing Bowdon roundabout
A50 beams

In delivering the new bridges and other structures, Highways England has worked to reduce the amount of steel and concrete needed – ensuring carbon savings, a reduction in costs and in traffic to and from the site.

Construction of the new link roads and roundabout arrangements around Bowdon and junction 7 of the M56 should be completed this summer with the new bypass opening in spring of next year.

Anyone seeking updates on progress with the project, including phases of traffic management, can visit the dedicated project page. A Facebook page is also available.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 24 February 2016