Tuesday 13 May 2025

Drivers of tractors, lorries and other heavy vehicles are being warned that their illegal use of Warburton Toll Bridge is threatening to shut the route completely to protect the safety of other road users and engineers currently working on its upgrade.

Since the tolls were withdrawn to facilitate the upgrade works last year, various measures have been put in place to deter overweight vehicles with limited success.

In addition to clear signage which warned of the restrictions, barriers were introduced in order to further deter dangerous access for overweight vehicles, but even those haven’t stopped drivers from illegally accessing the route.

Some tractor drivers have even taken to obscuring their number-plates to avoid being caught on camera and claimed to site staff that they have a permit issued by the Manchester Ship Canal Company, although no such permits exist.

Jon Hassett, Deputy Port Director said: “We have put in place a number of safe and sensible measures to deter these irresponsible drivers and ensure everyone’s safety.

“Unfortunately the problem persists and unless we are able to resolve the illegal use of overweight vehicles using the bridge, we will be left with no other solution than to shut the road completely.

“It is essential that we can focus our efforts and resources on completing the upgrade as soon as possible rather than tackling this selfish behaviour.”

Contractor Taziker, whose staff are doing most of the upgrade works, echoed the call for responsible bridge use.

Neil Harrison, MD at Taziker said: “While works like these are going on there has to be a weight restriction to protect the structure, all road users and our workers. It is extremely disappointing that some drivers are so willing to put other people at risk for their own convenience. It’s also unreasonable to expect our staff, or indeed anyone, to be policing access and risking confrontation with individuals who have so far shown little regard for others.”

Local authorities have already been advised of the seriousness of the problem. Peel Ports Group and Taziker are monitoring the situation daily given the frequency of the breaches, with the full closure of the bridge being a real risk in the near future.

More information on the upgrades to the bridge and the warnings and other updates given to motorists can be found at https://www.warburtontollbridge.co.uk/.

Please be advised that, due to ongoing contractor works in the area, width restrictions have been set in place on the approach to the bridge.

In addition, multiple warning signs have been installed to give Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Large Goods Vehicles, and Tractors ample notice to reassess their journey and use an alternative route if required.

To ensure the safety of all bridge users and onsite workers, vehicles exceeding the 3-tonne weight limit must not attempt to cross the bridge. Continued use by overweight vehicles places both infrastructure and personnel at serious risk.

The local police and council have been informed and are supporting efforts to monitor and enforce these restrictions.

If these safety measures are not followed, we may have no option but to implement a full closure of the bridge for the remainder of the works. This would be to ensure the wellbeing of both workers and the wider community.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain a safe environment for everyone in the area.

Please be advised that the bridge will be temporarily closed on the following dates due to scheduled maintenance:

• Friday, 16 May 2025 – Closed from 7:00 AM

• Saturday, 17 May 2025 – Fully closed

• Sunday, 18 May 2025 – Fully closed

• Monday, 19 May 2025 – Reopening from 6:00 AM

We strongly advise all motorists to plan ahead and use alternative routes during the closure period to avoid delays.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Please be advised that, due to ongoing contractor works in the area, width restrictions have been set in place on the approach to the bridge.

In addition, multiple warning signs have been installed to give Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Large Goods Vehicles, and Tractors ample notice to reassess their journey and use an alternative route if required.

To ensure the safety of all bridge users and onsite workers, vehicles exceeding the 3-tonne weight limit must not attempt to cross the bridge. Continued use by overweight vehicles places both infrastructure and personnel at serious risk.

The local police and council have been informed and are supporting efforts to monitor and enforce these restrictions.

If these safety measures are not followed, we may have no option but to implement a full closure of the bridge for the remainder of the works. This would be to ensure the wellbeing of both workers and the wider community.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain a safe environment for everyone in the area.

We are pleased to announce Warburton Toll Bridge is now open for crossing (There is currently no toll being charged as works continue.)

There are currently temporary traffic lights in place on either side to help with traffic flow whilst contractors are still operating on site.

Due to extreme weather and upcoming weather warnings, ongoing works on the bridge will be delayed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to resolve this as soon and as safely as possible. Full closure of the bridge will conclude on Tuesday 28^th January and will be accessible from 7am, any further works will be completed during night time closures, the dates of which will be published via our website as soon as they have been confirmed.

Recent assessments have revealed the need for further repairs to ensure the bridge's safety. As a result, full closures will now continue until the morning of Sunday, 26th January, with night closures postponed to a later date.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this essential work and prioritize your safety.

Following recent inspections by our third-party contractors, additional repair work has been identified to ensure the bridge meets safe standards for all users. Additionally, extreme weather has impacted progress.

As a result, the completion date has been extended from 16th January to 21st January, with night closures now scheduled from 22nd January to 27th January.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to complete these essential repairs.

At Warburton Toll Bridge, we are committed to maintaining the safety and structural integrity of this vital piece of infrastructure.

Please take time to review the below 'vehicle weight limit' notice and familiarise yourself with our policy. 

Notice: Vehicle weight limit compliance

Full Closures (No Access - 10 days):

• 06/01/25 to 16/01/25

Night Closures (21:00–06:00 - 10 days):

• 17/01/25 to 27/01/25

We encourage all motorists and users of the bridge to plan ahead and identify alternative routes during these times. Public footpath access will also be unavailable during the above times due to health and safety.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.