Wigan bridge hit by lorry is set to be finally replaced

The long wait to replace a bridge demolished after being hit by a lorry more than two years ago could soon be over.

People living near the A577 in Orrell have been hoping the footbridge over the busy slip road would be replaced eventually.

Highways England previously said a new bridge was scheduled to be constructed between April 2020 and March 2021, with a spokesman saying earlier this year that the main building work was expected to take place in May.

Despite the current coronavirus pandemic, they have now confirmed the installation of the bridge will begin within coming weeks as planned.

Vegetation clearance work has already been done on the site and Highways England continue to work towards mid-May for the new bridge.

A legal notice about the work has been published and before it starts, they will write to residents nearby to let them know what is going on.

A Highways England spokesman said: “Roadworks affect all journeys which is why it is important they are completed as quickly as possible.

“Our roads remain open and we will continue to maintain the network, ensuring that life-saving medicine, equipment, supplies and healthcare staff can travel to where they are needed most.

“All our sites have strict safeguarding measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and none of our sites are open to the public.”

Confirmation that the work will go ahead has been welcomed by Orrell councillor Michael Winstanley, who has long called for the footbridge to be replaced.

He said: “This is great news that the Highways Agency are putting the legal steps in place to enable the installation of the footbridge.

“I am sure that this announcement will be very much welcomed by local residents.

“I have been contacted by many residents over the last few years since the bridge was demolished asking if it was going to be replaced.

“I am extremely pleased the Highways Agency have been true to their word and we can start to look to the next few months when work will commence to erect the footbridge. I particularly welcome this as it is something I have been campaigning for since the bridge was demolished.

“This is a rare piece of good news in challenging times. I hope that no last minute glitches get in the way.”

The footbridge, which goes over the A577 where the slip road joins the main interchange for the M6 and M58, was destroyed on November 9, 2017. It was hit by a heavy goods vehicle, which overturned and blocked the road. The driver was trapped inside and had to be rescued by the emergency services.

The bridge was knocked down and it was several months before the debris was removed, with Highways England saying they were seeing what could be salvaged to make a replacement bridge.

Efforts have been made to ensure the new bridge meets current standards, including providing a ramp offering disability access.

A legal notice about the construction work detailed temporary restrictions on the M58 and A577.

There will be a 30mph speed limit on the M58 northbound to the A577 link road and on the A577 to M58 southbound link road from 9pm on May 11 to 5am on November 27.

All traffic will be banned from the M58 northbound to A577 link road and from the A577 to M58 southbound link road between 9.30am to 3.30pm and between 9pm and 5am for the same period.

Diversions will be in place via alternative junctions of the M58, A577 and local roads.