Wigan Council, as the Highway Authority for the borough area, is responsible for 144 bridges, culverts and subways of 1.5 metres span and over, 88 retaining walls and 139 footbridges which lie on public highways or rights of way.
The Council also owns a further 15 bridges and 44 footbridges that are not on public highways or rights-of-way which lie mainly on dismantled railways used as footpaths.
The Council, as Highway Authority, also has a further interest (from a public safety point of view), in the condition of private bridges which carry the public highway or rights of way.
Statutory requirements
The majority of the sections work is carried out under the requirements and powers of the Highways Act 1980. The sections of the Act covering highways maintainable at public expense and highways being kept in a state of proper repair being the main ones. For the purposes of the Act, the highway includes the bridges etc.
Management of structures
A team of 7 Engineers, Technicians and Clerk of Works carry out the Council’s responsibilities for highway structures and are in the Bridges Section of the Engineering Consultancy.
Our standards
The standards used for the sections work are generally those adopted by the Highways Agency for use nationally on Trunk Roads, and which include The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and The Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.
The processes are governed by the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations as well as the Sector’s Quality Assurance Scheme.
Recent bridge schemes
- Nel Pan Bridge, Nel Pan Lane, Westleigh - strengthening bridge under carriageway and footway.
- Dolly's Railway Bridge, Winwick Lane, Golborne - rewaterproofing deck
- Old Hall Railway Bridge, Warrington Road, Ince - filling under bridge so that the weight restriction can be removed.
- Repainting of Welch Hill Canal Bridge carrying Atherleigh Way.
- Guest Street Bridge, Guest Street, Leigh - filling old bridge.
Total contract costs approximately £650,000.
