Bridging the Gap

A major cycleway project that will link Crewe and Nantwich has moved a step closer with the installation of three bridges.

Two of the bridges, which replace existing crossings over Valley Brook, have already been installed. The third bridge, which will be built in around two weeks, will cross Wistaston Brook.

The three bridges form part of Phase One of the Connect 2 Crewe to Nantwich Greenway. The greenway aims to create a 4km rural corridor between the two towns along the A530.

It will be set well back from the main road connecting the excellent riverside walks in Nantwich with Crewe’s historic Queen’s Park, currently undergoing a massive restoration.

The greenway will let people visit both of these areas easily by foot and by bike.

Each bridge spans 11m with a width of 2m, and consists of steel beams with oak parapets and cladding. They have been made by Huddersfield-based CTS Ltd and installed on piled foundations by the main contractor William Pye Ltd.

Connect 2 is a nationwide sustainable transport project which aims to encourage people to make their everyday journeys by foot or bike.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “It is excellent to see this scheme progressing and it will offer people a greener way of travelling between the two towns.

“Similar projects in other towns and cities have proved very successful and I am sure the people of Cheshire East will make full use of this greenway.”

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “I hope that this new route will encourage people from Cheshire East and visitors to the area, to get out and enjoy our beautiful countryside.

“We are always being advised to increase our activity and leave the car at home. Hopefully this new greenway will allow people to do just that.”