A funding bid for a historic bridge will be discussed by councillors next week.
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet will discuss the submission of Chetwynd Bridge to the Government’s Structure’s Fund, and will be asked to agree what must be done to deliver the scheme if the bid is successful.
Chetwynd Bridge is the largest cast-iron bridge built before 1830 that still survives in England. The proposal, which includes a new bridge to take traffic away from the Grade II* listed structure, would help keep the route open and ensure traffic can continue to use this important route.
The existing bridge would be protected and would stay open to pedestrians.
The council has asked the Department for Transport for £40.358 million towards the £46.358 million scheme. If the government agrees to fund it, the council would contribute £6 million from its Integrated Transport Fund.
Planning permission for the proposal was granted in August 2026. If funding is secured and the remaining land, access and contract arrangements are completed, construction is expected to run from April 2027 to December 2029.
If the bid is unsuccessful, the council plans to continue developing the scheme using existing grants so it is ready for another funding opportunity.
Councillor Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said:
“Chetwynd Bridge is an important route and a nationally significant heritage asset, so it is vital we take the right long-term approach.
“Our bid to Government would help us deliver a new bypass structure, keep this key route open, support the local economy and protect the existing Grade II* listed bridge for pedestrians and future generations.”
However, the county council also issued a warning that there are many more aging structures in Staffordshire that would also need funding to keep them operational.
Peter continued:
“Chetwynd is very important, but it is just the tip of the iceberg. Our Roadmap to a Better Network shows that years of wear and tear have caused even greater problems for bridges and other structures than for our roads. We look after around 3,600 structures, including bridges, retaining walls and underpasses. Other important structures are also deteriorating and could need restrictions or cause disruption in the future.
“We estimate that it would cost £618 million to bring Staffordshire’s highway structures into good condition. At current funding levels, it would take 515 years to complete this work. Councils cannot afford costs on this scale from existing local budgets, so long-term government investment in our ageing infrastructure is essential.”
