Cheshire: When toll bridge charge will rise as work set to start

This comes following a lengthy battle between residents, councillors and development company Peel Ports over Warburton Toll Bridge, which crosses Manchester Ship Canal and links Warburton and Rixton.

It was confirmed in October last year that the current 12p toll, set by an Act of Parliament in 1863, would increase to £1, which it was said would cover the costs of the work and any future work required.

Proposals were accepted by the Secretary of State, but residents and Warrington Borough Council objected to the toll increasing by 733.33 per cent.

Manchester Ship Canal Company (MSCC), a subsidiary of Peel Ports which owns and operates the bridge, has now confirmed that works to modernise the bridge are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 22.

It has also confirmed that toll bridge charges will be suspended from this Monday, September 30, and for the duration of the works, which are estimated to last a year.

Warburton Toll Bridge. Picture: Google Maps

MSCC said that motorists in the area should allow extra time, use alternative routes and be aware that a full closure may be required at times.

There will be a discount scheme in place for nearby residents once the upgrade works are complete and the toll is restored.

A MSCC spokesman said: “At present, we have a 19th-century toll, one of the lowest in the country, that is incapable of supporting the demands of a 21st-century road user.

“Road users in Warrington and Trafford have long demanded a modern crossing that meets their needs, and that is what these works will deliver.

“In approving the toll update, the Department for Transport agreed the bridge needs extensive repair work and renovations to provide a modern crossing for road users, which will improve reliability and cut journey times.

“The toll rate has not changed in 161 years – we estimate that, had it kept up with inflation, the toll would now be around £15 rather than the £1 it will be when the works are complete.

Warburton Toll Bridge. Picture: Google Maps

“The new toll will cover future maintenance and repair work, required to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational.

“Any improvement works involve a degree of disruption, so although this is inevitable, we apologise for any inconvenience and thank all road users for their patience.”

The works are expected to last for at least a year, though they are subject to weather conditions, availability of supplies and other factors that affect construction projects.

An advertising campaign will alert the public to the works and any major updates throughout the duration of the project.

More information will be available from warburtontollbridge.co.uk with an option to register for email updates.