Bridges and road structures

We are responsible for managing most Cheshire East bridges, underpasses, culverts and retaining walls on, under or next to roads. Some bridges and structures are maintained by other organisations.

We also cover man-made embankments, cuttings and other engineered earthworks along roads (where owned by Cheshire East).  

In emergencies we can respond to problems on roads caused by earth movements such as mudslides even where we do not own the land that is the source of the problem. The owner of the land will be responsible for the costs. 

Report a bridge or roadside structure issue

Use our report it form to report issues with

• bridges and roadside structures
• roadside fencing and walls
• crash barriers

Report an issue with a bridge or roadside structure

If

• the bridge or roadside structure is damaged or hit by a vehicle
• earth movements have affected the road
• crash barriers have been hit by vehicles
• fencing or walls that have been hit by vehicles
• fencing or walls are causing  an obstruction in the road or on the footpath

Call immediately on 0300 123 5025

Where the situation is not urgent, email the structures team to report issues with bridges and roadside structures or where earth movements have affected the road.  

Public rights of way

For structures carrying or affecting a Public Right of Way (PRoW) rather than a road, see public rights of way.

Issues with bridges and structures we are not responsible for

Some bridges and structures have notices on them stating who to contact about issues. For railway bridges, contact Network Rail. If the location is a canal bridge, you may need to contact the Canal and River Trust. If you do not know who to contact, you can contact us and we will pass on information to the relevant owner if we know who they are.

Maintaining bridges and structures

We regularly inspect all the bridges and road structures that we are responsible for. From the results of these inspections we develop an ongoing programme of work to make sure bridges and structures stay safe and functional. This work includes steady state maintenance, strengthening, and replacement.

We also check after any incidents that might cause damage, such as where a vehicle has collided with a structure.

We regularly remove vegetation and debris and unblock drainage systems. 

Potential complexities in bridge repairs

Repairing bridges and structures is not always straightforward. There are many factors that can influence the time and approach required for repairs, including:

• Managing water levels and flow, especially for river or culvert bridges
• Implementing structural solutions that meet safety and design standards
• Investigating ground conditions and stability before major works
• Rebuilding or reinforcing retaining walls
• Repairing or replacing damaged culverts, often requiring excavation and water diversion
• Stabilising embankments and managing earthworks
• Maintaining traffic, pedestrian, and cycle access or providing diversions
• Complying with environmental regulations and wildlife protection
• Adapting to weather conditions such as flooding, storms, or freeze-thaw cycles
• Procuring and transporting specialised materials or equipment
• Addressing hidden structural damage discovered during inspections
• Coordinating with utility providers where services intersect
• Managing budget constraints or phased funding

Each situation is unique and may require bespoke methods to ensure safety and functionality while minimising disruption. We appreciate that these issues can cause frustrations. However, considering all these factors properly before we do what can be very expensive repair work is essential to doing it safely. 

Much of this essential preparation happens out of sight or away from the site, which can make it seem as though nothing is happening. In reality, this work is vital to ensure repairs can begin as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

Weight restrictions

We monitor how much weight bridges and structures can take safely. We put new weight restrictions in place where needed.

Contact Highways

We have a new way to report an issue.

If you consider a highways issue to be a danger to life: