Work to replace a bridge in Tameside is due to begin in the New Year, with the structure being shut for approximately three years. 

National Highways say various potential options for repairing the St Anne's Road bridge, which carries traffic over the M67 near Denton, were explored before it was decided the best solution was to replace the bridge entirely due to its age and outdated style of construction.

For the safety of workers and road users, the bridge will be closed from 9pm on Tuesday 10 January.

It's not set to reopen until early 2026 due to the extent of the structural repair work required. 

National Highways say this timescale has been predicted based on the fact the existing bridge carries local utilities, including gas, electricity, and water pipelines, which will need to be diverted to make sure utilities in the area always remain on while the bridge is replaced.

Mangat Bansal, National Highways’ Programme Delivery Manager, said: “Not taking action to repair the bridge risks the safety of road users in the future.

“We have explored many potential options for repairing the structure while considering the inevitable disruption to the local community and road users.

“We believe the best solution is to replace the bridge entirely. This is quicker, safer, and more practical than repairing it.”

National Highways say it has worked closely with Tameside Council to create efficient diversion routes with the aim of reducing disruption to local residents and businesses.

The closed section of St Anne’s Road, near the former Penny Farthing pub, will be reopened for the duration of the construction project and will act as a diversion route. Pedestrians and cyclists will also be able to use Angel Street footbridge.

The work to replace St Anne’s Road bridge will require the closure of both the bridge and the slip road joining the M67 at junction 2 for the duration of the construction project.

Any required closures of the M67 will be publicised well in advance.

Mangat Bansal, National Highways’ Programme Delivery Manager, added: “While we will do everything in our power to reduce disruption as much as possible, we’d like to apologise in advance for any disturbance this work may cause you. Thank you for bearing with us.”

For more information about the scheme and diversion routes, visit www.nationalhighways.co.uk/m67-st-annes-road-bridge

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