Weaver Viaduct

The Weaver Viaduct, in the north of Cheshire on the M56, is one of the longest concrete viaducts on the British motorway network.

Weaver Viaduct
View, looking east towards junction 12, in May 2005
Coordinates53.31°N 2.71°W / 53.31; -2.71
OS grid referenceSJ527794
Carries M56
CrossesRiver Weaver
Weaver Navigation
LocaleFrodsham, Cheshire
Maintained byHighways England
Characteristics
DesignBox girder bridge
MaterialReinforced concrete
Total length3,186 ft (971 m)
Longest span222 ft (68 m)
No. of spans33
No. of lanes3 each direction
Slip roads on the eastern end
History
DesignerHusband and Company
Construction startDecember 1968
Construction endDecember 1970
Construction cost£3.2m
Opened21 February 1971
Statistics
Daily traffic112,185 (2017)
Location
Location of Weaver Viaduct in Cheshire

History

It was built as part of the first section of the M56 North Cheshire Motorway, also initially known as the Cheshire East-West Motorway, five miles from junctions 14 Hapsford Interchange to 12 at the A557.

View in March 2008

Design

It was designed from 1964-67.[1] It was designed by Husband and Company Consulting Engineers of Sheffield.

Construction

Work began on the eight-mile motorway in December 1968. The bridge crosses a flood plain. The construction of the five-mile motorway was completed in December 1970. The five-mile motorway opened for traffic on 21 February 1971. The section to Preston Brook at junction 11 opened in September 1971.

Structure

Due to its position, on the eastern edge of the exposed Cheshire Plain, there can be high crosswinds over the bridge, and the bridge may be closed as a result. Many high-sided vehicles have had accidents on the bridge.

It has a 222 ft span over the River Weaver and a 125 ft span over the Weaver Navigation. There are 30 approach spans of 90 ft each.

References

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