The current M56/A533 Expressway Bridge, constructed in 1971, has come to the end of its serviceable life and is being replaced, with the new structure ensuring an increased life span of over 120 years for road users, and maintaining safety in both the short and long term. The bridge, situated between junctions 11 and 12, is a vital local link, providing access across the M56 to Runcorn from Preston Brook and Northwich. It is being replaced with a new 67m two-span concrete bridge, including a single two-lane carriageway and a combined footpath/cycleway.

The contract, which was awarded by joint venture, Amey Sir Robert McAlpine, will see Bauer Technologies install 1,200mm diameter piles, with rock sockets of varying lengths, into the underlying mudstone, to function as bearing piles for the new bridge structure.

Bauer has designed the piles specifically to enable safe installation while working in close proximity to this busy stretch of motorway, which will remain open throughout project works.

Speaking about the project, Michael Jones, MD of Bauer Technologies said: "We're delighted to be working with Amey Sir Robert McAlpine again, and are particularly pleased that we will be able to apply our expertise to this project and benefit from lessons learned while installing piles on the previous Amey Sir Robert McAlpine JV scheme, on the M6 motorway Junction 19, back in 2020.

"This is a challenging project and safety is of paramount importance, with our team working at the side of a live motorway. However, Bauer has vast experience with these types of projects and I'm confident that the project team will finish our scope of work safely, on time and to budget."