Road Bridges built by the Manchester Ship Canal

Nine road bridges were constructed by the Ship Canal Company. Seven were low level swing bridges and two were high level fixed span.

Swing Bridges

The swing bridges to give a completely clear channel for shipping, are hydraulically operated and have power houses and hydraulic towers nearby. The swing bridges are bowstring girder in construction with supporting cross girders along the bottom booms. The bridges are turned on roller bearing of about 4.5 m. (15 ft.) diameter. All the swing road bridges have their pivots asymmetrical to the overall span. Barton Road Bridge is the least asymmetric with a ratio of 1:1.36, whilst Trafford Road has the greatest asymmetry with a ratio of 1:1.58. The five bridges in the Warrington - Runcorn area all have asymmetrical ratios of between 1:1.42 and 1:1.46.

Two bridges were required to give access to land cut off between the new course of the Ship Canal and the river Mersey between Runcorn and Warrington. These were:

Old Quay Swing Bridge (SJ520833)

Situated to the east of Runcorn this is the lightest of the swing bridges across the canal at 650 tonnes. It is 72.2 m. (237 ft.) long and has a carriageway width of 4.6 m. (15 ft.). It carries a minor road giving access to land cut off by the construction of the Ship Canal.

Old Quay Swing Bridge in 1986

Moore Lane Swing Bridge (SJ578853)

Situated to the west of Acton Grange this bridge carries a minor road. It is a 73.2 m. (237 ft.) long with a carriageway width of 5.6 m. (18 ft.). It weighs 700 tonnes.

Moore Lane Swing Bridge in 1990

Three swing bridges were needed to carry existing roads across the Ship Canal south of Warrington where its course left the river Mersey. These were:

Chester Road Swing Bridge (SJ604861)

Originally known as Stag Inn Bridge after the public house situated on the southern bank of the canal it now carries the A5060 Warrington to Chester road. It has the same dimensions as the Moore Lane Bridge.

Chester Road Swing Bridge in 1996

Northwich Road Swing Bridge (SJ614864)

This bridge carries the A49 Warrington to Northwich road. This bridge weighs 770 tonnes, is 76.8 m. (252 ft.) long and has a carriageway width of 6.9 m. (22.5 ft.).

Northwich Road Swing Bridge in 1985

Knutsford Road Swing Bridge (SJ629870)

Having the same dimensions as the Northwich Road Bridge it carries the A50 Warrington to Knutsford Road.

The hydraulic power for these last three bridges is provided from the hydraulic power station at the nearby Latchford Locks. The above five bridges were constructed by Sir William Arrol & Co.

Knutsford Road Swing Bridge in 1984

Barton Road Swing Bridge (SJ766976)

Immediately west of the Barton Swing Aqueduct and operated by the same hydraulic power station Barton Road Swing Bridge replaced the stone Barton Bridge built about 1675. It carries the B5211 (formerly A575) road. It is the shortest of the road swing bridges being 59.3 m. (195 ft.) long with a carriageway width of 5.6 m. (18.5 ft.). It weighs 660 tonnes. Unlike the other swing bridges, Barton Road Swing Bridge is on an island and there is a clear water channel at either side although only the southern channel is used by shipping. This bridge was built by A. Handyside & Co. of Derby.

Barton Road Swing Bridge in 1993

Trafford Road Swing Bridge, Salford (SJ812965)

Fabricated by John Butler & Co. this is the largest and by far the widest of the swing bridges constructed for the Ship Canal. It is 64.5 m. (212 ft.) long and has a carriageway width of 11 m. (36 ft.). It weighs 1800 tonnes. The bridge lies between the main Manchester Docks and Pomona Docks and carries the A5063 road. The bridge was only operated for ships to pass into and out of Pomona Docks. The hydraulic station was located immediately adjacent on the north bank of the canal.

Despite being the widest of the swing bridges over the Manchester Ship Canal, Trafford Road Swing Bridge was inadequate for the traffic conditions in this very busy area. Consequently, as part of a scheme to widen Trafford Road and to improve its junction with Chester Road the decision was taken to fix the swing bridge in place and provide additional capacity by means of a fixed bridge alongside on its eastern side. The swing bridge was refurbished as part of the scheme.

Trafford Road Swing Bridge in 1985

A second view of Trafford Road Swing Bridge in 1985

Fixed Bridges

Two identical cantilever bridges were constructed for the Ship Canal. Each has the standard height clearance of 23 m. (75 ft.) with centre span of 33 m. (108 ft.) and a total span of 62.8 m. (206 ft.). They weigh 783 tonnes. Both were built by Handyside's of Derby. They are now limited to a load of 5 tonnes. Cantilever bridges were popular in the 1890's following the construction of the Forth Railway Bridge built on that principle.

Latchford High Level Bridge (SJ624868)

Situated between the Knutsford Road and Northwich Road Swing Bridges at Warrington and adjacent to the former Latchford Station it carries the appropriately named Cantilever Road (B5156) over the canal. It provided a route to Latchford Station free from the interference due to the turning of the nearby swing bridges.

Latchford High Level Bridge in 1994

Warburton High Level Bridge (SJ695902)

This was originally the only crossing of the Ship Canal between Barton and Latchford. It carries a minor road which is a continuation of the B5159 which crosses the Warburton Toll Bridge, built in 1843, over the original, now dry, course of the river Mersey.

Warburton High Level Bridge in 1996