Bridge 8 Nanney's Bridge

Following a recent collision at Bridge 8 (Nanney's Bridge) on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, Cheshire East Highways closed the road as a precaution to help keep everyone safe. Although barriers were put in place, they have unfortunately been repeatedly moved, and vehicles are continuing to cross the bridge. The collision has left part of the bridge parapet unstable. Our teams are concerned that continued vehicle use could cause further material to fall into the canal or onto the towpath below. For this reason, and in the interests of our customers' safety, we feel it is necessary to keep both the canal and the towpath closed for the time being. We are working closely with the local highways authority to see what additional traffic control measures can be put in place to prevent further damage. Once traffic on the bridge is properly controlled, the risk to boaters and towpath users will reduce significantly. At that point, we will inspect and make safe to reopen canal and towpath. We are very sorry for the disruption this situation is causing. If anyone has any information about the incident or the vehicle involved in causing the damage, please contact our Customer Service team on 0303 0404 040.

A further update will be provided on or before Wednesday 13 May.

There has been a vehicle strike on bridge 8 Nanney's bridge. Both towpath and navigation are currently closed until further notice. Our local operational team and engineers have been notified and an update will be provided following a full inspection of the bridge.