A530 Baddington Lane - Weight Restriction 

Baddington Lane bridge carries the A530 Baddington Lane over the dismantled Nantwich to Market Drayton railway line. The bridge is owned and managed by the Historic Railways Estate (HRE).

An assessment of the bridge identified that it has reduced structural capacity and, as a result, a temporary 7.5-tonne structural weight limit was introduced late last year.

There is also an embankment slip on the southern approach to the bridge, which will need to be addressed as part of any solution.

The traffic signals and weight restriction will remain in place to ensure public safety while the detailed design is developed. Additional monitoring and enforcement measures are also being implemented to support compliance and manage risk.

Important for HGV drivers

Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must follow the signed diversion route and not use Baddington Bridge.

The weight restriction is in place because the bridge has reduced structural capacity. If overweight vehicles continue to use the bridge, it could worsen its condition and increase the risk of further restrictions or even a full closure before permanent repair works can be carried out. Following the diversion route will help keep the bridge open to permitted traffic while investigations and plans for a long-term solution progress.

The bridge remains safe for use by vehicles complying with the 7.5-tonne weight restriction. However, as a result of ongoing concerns regarding non-compliance by heavy goods vehicles, arrangements are being made to install an ANPR camera, and evidence is being gathered to support targeted police enforcement action.

Current position

We have completed an options study looking at ways to address the issues at Baddington Bridge and the adjoining embankment.

Ecological and topographical surveys have been undertaken, and ground investigations were completed in September 2026. Laboratory testing is now underway and the detailed design is ongoing

Design work and final approvals are expected to progress between autumn 2026 and spring 2027, with repair works currently expected to start during the 2027 - 2028 financial year.

We will continue to provide updates on this webpage and via our highways X account, @CECHighways, and Cheshire East Council Facebook page as soon as more information becomes available.

Diversion route 

A signed diversion route is in place. Drivers are reminded not to use Coole Lane as a diversion, as it is unsuitable for vehicles over 10 tonnes.

We have also liaised with local haulage and bus companies to ensure they are aware of the restriction and the approved route. The road remains open under traffic management to all vehicles under 7.5 tonnes. 

Updates will be provided on this webpage and via our highways X account @CECHighways and Cheshire East Council Facebook page as soon as more information becomes available.

We understand this issue may cause inconvenience and thank road users for their patience while we work with the HRE to implement a long term solution.

 

 

Further information

• Temporary traffic lights are in place and may be moved to support monitoring, inspections and other activities as required
• Coole Lane must not be used as a diversion route.
• Emergency services are aware of the diversion route.
• Delays are possible and motorists should plan journeys accordingly.
• Local businesses remain open.