National Highways’ newest bridge, linking businesses and communities on both sides of the motorway opened to traffic in April and a delicate operation to demolish and remove the old bridge was completed last month during two weekend closures of the motorway.

On Friday 9th June, the completion of the 18-month project was marked by local MP for Weaver Vale Mike Amesbury planting a sapling on the northern side of the new bridge.

“I am delighted to help celebrate the completion of the A533 new bridge project today. I have constituents on both sides of the motorway and I know the new bridge will be crucial in allowing the A533 road to connect friends and families, commuters and businesses for many years to come.

“It’s great to see the project completed on time and I would like to thank and congratulate National Highways and all the firms involved in the construction for that.”

The new, 67-metre, two-span concrete bridge, consisting of a single two-lane carriageway and a combined footpath and cycleway, secures the primary A533 road link between Runcorn and Northwich. The deck for the new bridge was built in a field on the southern side of the motorway and during a weekend closure of the M56 in November was carefully wheeled along the carriageway and lifted into place onto newly-constructed concrete piers.

The old bridge, sandwiched between the new one and the prominent arched bridge carrying the West Coast main railway line over the motorway, was near the end of its life. The old bridge was located right alongside the new bridge making its demolition one of the more challenging aspects of the project and it now features in a new National Highways video.

Senior officials from National Highways and project lead contractors AmeySRM also attended the event.

This project has presented the AmeySRM team with numerous technical challenges. As well as installing a new bridge over the motorway during a weekend closure, the team have completed the demolition of the old bridge between the new one and the railway line and have diverted major utilities serving millions of people in Runcorn, Halton and wider Merseyside region. What the team has achieved in the last 18 months is incredibly impressive and testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence which have characterised this project.
Sir Andrew McAlpine Partner

Stewart Jones, National Highways’ major projects director for the North West, said:

“National Highways is committed to investing in the people who live and work alongside the motorway network. We are pleased we’ve been able to deliver the project, including the tricky demolition of the old bridge on time with the new bridge now open for nearly two months and future-proofing connectivity over the M56 for many years to come.

“Over the last 18 months we have worked hard to minimise disruption to people using the bridge and motorway but would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience especially during last month’s motorway closures for the bridge demolition.”

Some overnight finishing work is taking place on the bridge this month. Anyone seeking more information on this or the wider project can visit a dedicated project webpage.

The demolition of the old A533 (M56) Expressway bridg

Latest Infrastructure news

Construction of Britain’s longest rail bridge completed
11 Sept 2025

Our Align JV has completed civil engineering works on HS2's Colne Valley Viaduct

Read more about
Significant HS2 milestone as Chiltern Tunnel complete
07 Aug 2025

The construction of the 10-mile tunnel by our Align JV finishes ahead of schedule

Read more about
Colne Valley Viaduct scoops two NCE Bridges awards
05 Aug 2025

Iconic structure forms part of the HS2 project being constructed by our Align JV

Read more about

Latest news

Chester Hospital achieves NHS Net Zero Standard
15 Oct 2025

Newly opened Women & Children’s Building at the Countess of Chester Hospital makes history delivering a low energy facility for NHS maternity patients and families.

Read more about
ONE Station Hill wins BCO National Award
10 Oct 2025

Project praised for its outstanding sustainability credentials and next-generation office design

Read more about
Building Innovation Awards win
09 Oct 2025

Our digital construction team has won a national award for pioneering data-led innovation at the NRC, setting a new benchmark in productivity and planning.

Read more about