The most substantial repairs to Stockport’s bridge in 177 years will see a section of the A6 shut for twelve weeks over the summer Stockport council have announced.
Engineers need to undertake essential repair works to the bridge that runs under the A6 in Stockport town centre between Exchange Street (Garrick Theatre) and Heaton Lane.
From Monday 24th July 2017, this section of road will be closed to traffic in both directions for up to 12 weeks, so that repair work can be undertaken. The works are needed to address current maintenance issues and prolong the bridge’s life.
Stockport will remain open for business and we will do everything we can to keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed throughout the period of the works.
These works are essential say the council and they are doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.
This includes planning the repairs for the quieter summer months, extending working hours and working with the contractor to keep the closure as short as possible.
Whilst the A6 is closed, a number of alternative routes into and through Stockport town centre will be signed. This will include St Mary’s Way where the improvement works will temporarily stop to allow more traffic to use the road. All diversion routes will be fully signed. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the bridge and access to local businesses will be maintained.
Shops, car parks and businesses across the whole of the town centre will still be open for everyone to visit and enjoy whilst the works are taking place.
Free car parking will be offered at Heaton Lane and Merseyway car parks after 3.00pm throughout the period of the road closure.
These are the most substantial repairs that this section of the bridge has needed in its 177 year history and by doing these works we will be ensuring it is safe for use for years to come.
Whilst the repairs are taking place, the Council is going to use the opportunity to start its work improving the A6, helping to ensure this important route becomes part of the overall improvements taking place across the town centre.
Over the coming weeks more information about the works including diversion routes and in which ways you can keep yourself up to date with progress will be available online at www.stockport.gov.uk/a6
Caroline Simpson, Corporate Director for Place at Stockport Council said: “Whilst we appreciate that this is one of our busiest roads, the town centre will remain open for business while these essential repairs take place and we work hard to ensure that one of Stockport’s oldest bridges continues to be safe for use in the future.
“There will still be many ways for everyone to get into and around Stockport and we’re doing everything we can to minimise disruption. The town centre will still be open and will still be accessible. We’ll keep everyone up to date with regular updates and signage to make sure the works don’t stop you from continuing to enjoy everything Stockport has to offer.”
