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 since 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 for safety reasons while investigations are undertaken and a long-term solution is developed.

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.

Current position

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

As part of this work, ecological and topographical surveys have already been undertaken. Further intrusive ground investigations are due to begin in August 2026 to provide more detailed information on the condition of the embankment and surrounding ground conditions. The results will help inform the design and scope of a solution.

The findings will help decide the most appropriate design and the type of works needed to deliver a long-term solution for the bridge and embankment. Given how complex the issue is and the investigative surveys that need to be carried out, it is too early to provide a definitive timeframe for reopening the route to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. However, depending on the outcome of the surveys and the design development, we are currently hoping works could begin in spring 2027.

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 investigation works.
• Coole Lane must not be used as a diversion route.
• Emergency access will be maintained, the emergency services are aware of the weight restriction and diversion arrangements.
• Delays are possible and motorists should plan journeys accordingly.
• Local businesses remain open.