Please see below for the most recent links regarding the Warburton Toll Bridge.
Rixton And Warburton Toll Bridge Inspector's Report
We are pleased to announce Warburton Toll Bridge is now open for crossing (There is currently no toll being charged as works continue.)
There are currently temporary traffic lights in place on either side to help with traffic flow whilst contractors are still operating on site.
Due to extreme weather and upcoming weather warnings, ongoing works on the bridge will be delayed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to resolve this as soon and as safely as possible. Full closure of the bridge will conclude on Tuesday 28th January and will be accessible from 7am, any further works will be completed during night time closures, the dates of which will be published via our website as soon as they have been confirmed.
Recent assessments have revealed the need for further repairs to ensure the bridge's safety. As a result, full closures will now continue until the morning of Sunday, 26th January, with night closures postponed to a later date.
We appreciate your patience as we complete this essential work and prioritize your safety.
Following recent inspections by our third-party contractors, additional repair work has been identified to ensure the bridge meets safe standards for all users. Additionally, extreme weather has impacted progress.
As a result, the completion date has been extended from 16th January to 21st January, with night closures now scheduled from 22nd January to 27th January.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to complete these essential repairs.
At Warburton Toll Bridge, we are committed to maintaining the safety and structural integrity of this vital piece of infrastructure.
Please take time to review the below 'vehicle weight limit' notice and familiarise yourself with our policy.
Full Closures (No Access - 10 days):
Night Closures (21:00–06:00 - 10 days):
We encourage all motorists and users of the bridge to plan ahead and identify alternative routes during these times. Public footpath access will also be unavailable during the above times due to health and safety.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
To address potential congestion, we will collaborate closely with traffic management teams and the local council to minimise disruptions. However, we kindly ask all motorists to pay attention to and respect the temporary traffic lights that are in place.
These lights are essential not only for managing traffic flow but also for ensuring the safety of our workers, contractors and communities that use the bridge during the redevelopment works.
We are pleased to inform you that the bus route between Warburton Village and Dunham Massey will not be affected by the upcoming works on the toll bridge and its approach roads.
Key Details:
For more updates regarding buses or public transport in and around Warrington please visit: https://www.warringtonsownbuses.co.uk/
Please keep an eye on our website for further updates and details as the works progress. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. Plan your journey accordingly and allow extra travel time if needed.
The works are scheduled to begin on 22 October 2024 and are expected to last for at least a year, though they are subject to weather conditions, availability of supplies and other factors that affect all construction projects.
Motorists in the area should allow extra time and/or use alternative routes and be aware that full closure may be required at times.
Once complete, the upgrades will help to reduce congestion in the area and enhance conditions for all road users, producing a smoother and more efficient crossing.
Any improvement works involve a degree of disruption, so although this is inevitable, we apologise for any inconvenience and thank all road users for their patience.
Please register here for email updates on the project. You can also follow local media.
Why are the upgrades happening?
The works are proceeding following approval from the Department for Transport to upgrade the bridge and update the toll rate, the outcome of an inquiry held by the Department into the matter in 2022.
In approving the toll update, the Department for Transport agreed the bridge needs extensive repair work and renovations to provide a modern crossing for road users, which will improve reliability and cut journey times.
The current 12p toll rate, one of the lowest in England, was set by an Act of Parliament in 1863.
The toll has not changed in 161 years, and we estimate that, if it had kept up with inflation, the toll would now be around £15 rather than the £1 it will be when the works are complete.
There will be a discount scheme in place for local residents once the upgrade works are complete and the toll is restored. The new toll will cover future maintenance and repair work, required to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational.
Frequently asked questions
When are the works starting, and how long will they last?
The works are scheduled to begin on 22 October 2024 and are expected to last for at least a year, though they are subject to weather conditions, availability of supplies and other factors that affect all construction projects.
Why are the works happening?
The works are proceeding following approval from the Department for Transport to upgrade the bridge and update the toll rate, the outcome of an inquiry held by the Department into the matter in 2022.
In approving the toll update, the Department for Transport agreed the bridge needs extensive repair work and renovations to provide a modern crossing for road users, which will improve reliability and cut journey times.
How will the works affect my journey times?
Motorists in the area should allow extra time and/or use alternative routes and be aware that full closure may be required at times.
What will the toll charge be during the works?
All toll charges for crossing the Warburton Toll Bridge are suspended from 30 September 2024 and for the duration of the works. The works are expected to last for at least a year, though they are subject to weather conditions, availability of supplies and other factors that affect all construction projects.
What will the toll charge be when the works are complete?
The new toll charge will be £1, although there will be a discount scheme in place for local residents once the upgrade works are complete and the toll is restored.
Why is the toll charge increasing?
The new toll will cover future maintenance and repair work, required to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational.
The current 12p toll rate, one of the lowest in England, was set by an Act of Parliament in 1863.
The toll has not changed in 161 years, and we estimate that, if it had kept up with inflation, the toll would now be around £15 rather than the £1 it will be when the works are complete.
How can I keep up to date on the works?
Please register here for email updates on the project.
You can also follow local media and visit our website: https://www.warburtontollbridge.co.uk/ to keep up to date with the latest news regarding the project.