An 'urgent, temporary solution' has been found so a bridge used by Wigan Athletic and Warriors fans can be used on match days
Urgent work is set to be carried out on a bridge used by thousands of football and rugby fans so it can be reopened in time for Wigan Athletic’s match against Bolton Wanderers this weekend.
Since New Year’s Day, Walmsley bridge has been shut on match days due to what Wigan Council described as “concerns about the structural safety of the bridge when at full capacity”.
It left fans from Springfield facing a long walk to The Brick Community Stadium or getting in their cars, while businesses also felt the impact, with the landlord of the Brickmakers Arms saying he had lost 60 per cent of his trade in one day.
There have been calls for the bridge to be reopened, with Wigan MP Lisa Nandy meeting council officials there last week to “stress the urgency of the situation”.
Now, Wigan Athletic has announced that a specialist contractor will carry out urgent work on Friday so the bridge can be reopened.
A statement from the club and council said: “Wigan Council has commissioned a specialist contractor to carry out urgent works on Walmsley bridge on Friday, with the aim of reopening it in time for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Bolton Wanderers.
“The works will take place between 7.30am and approximately 3pm, and some disruption is expected during this period.
“The decision to close was made following professional advice that there were concerns about its structural safety at match day capacity. Public safety must always come first.
“Wigan Council, Wigan Athletic and The Brick Community Stadium teams have been working closely and constructively together to secure an urgent solution, recognising the impact the closure has had on supporters and local businesses.
“Friday is the earliest date the works can take place.
“The works provide an urgent, temporary solution to allow the bridge to reopen for match days as soon as possible.
“A further update will be shared as soon as it is available. We thank fans, local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding.”
Ms Nandy said: “I am grateful to Wigan Council for their swift action in arranging structural repairs to Walmsley bridge. Safety for both fans and the general public must always be the top priority in cases like this.
"I am glad the situation has been treated with the urgency it deserves for fans and local businesses and I am really pleased to hear that the bridge should be open for Saturday’s derby day game against Bolton.”
Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers are due to play at 12.30pm on Saturday at The Brick Community Stadium.