Congleton Bypass, Manchester

Construction began in Spring 2019, with Murform being appointed to construct 2 culverts and 4 bridges along the 5.5km bypass that will serve to ease congestion and improve travel times between Macclesfield, Congleton and the M6.

The main structure is an 89-metre twin-span bridge over the river Dane. The abutments and piers are sizeable, with the east abutment wall of 280m³ being completed in one pour. The central pier is a similar size but also features a 450mm corbel all around, which we were able to cast in one thanks to our EFCO heavy-duty shutters. We constructed the deck using primary steel beams with composite permanent formwork in between. Then, we cast in-situ parapets and deck on cantilevered tables.

Two further structures, Giantswood Road and Chelford Road, were constructed using a top-down construction method. Abutment and capping beams were constructed on bored piles, which then took the support of precast beams.  In-situ deck and cantilevered parapets were then cast before the new roadway underneath was excavated.

The final structure, a 25-meter single-span bridge, is at Loach Brook. Cast on 4-meter-high abutments with associated wing walls and approach structures.

The bypass officially opened to the public in April 2021, and we were delighted to be working with valued client Graham Construction, on behalf of their client Cheshire Council.

Image Credit: Graham Construction