Moss Bridge Investigations Complete, Design Plans for New Bridge Underway

A vital back road heading out from Formby towards Ormskirk has been closed by the local highway authority since:- September 2024, due to the poor condition of Moss Bridge's structure. Issues 1st started to show up in the:- 1990s, and since:- 1998, a weight restriction of:- 3 tonnes has been in place.

Following the latest programme of planned inspection and investigation work, that was completed in:- August 2024, the condition of the wrought iron elements of the bridge was the main concern, with extensive corrosion to structural elements throughout leading to its complete closure.

Since the dangerous condition of the bridge was uncovered, it was hoped that refurbishment works on the road could see it fixed and reopened in 2026. However, the poor condition of the structure observed at inspection; alongside evidence of frequent overloading and misuse of the existing 3 tonne gross vehicle weight limit; has prompted a permanent closure of the road to all users.

Now, a replacement crossing over Cheshire Lines Brook will be constructed to allow the reopening of Moss Lane to all users.

National Highways said in a press release:- "The widespread nature of the defects found on the bridge means we've had to reconsider the previously proposed refurbishment project and review wider options for the structure."

According to Downholland Parish Council, the closure has had a significant impact on the local community, as highlighted by local parish councils and highway authority updates. As a key link between:- Haskayne, Downholland, and Formby, the loss of access via:- Moss Lane has disrupted a well-used route between:- West Lancashire and Sefton (Merseyside).

This has forced local motorists onto longer signed diversion routes, while also impacting access for nearby agricultural sites, 3rd party land maintenance, and active travel users on the surrounding transport networks.

National Highways have said publicly that:- "We have now concluded our site investigations, surveys and consultation with stakeholders and the community. This has determined that a replacement crossing over Cheshire Lines Brook will be constructed to allow the reopening of Moss Lane to all users. Design of the replacement bridge is now underway and following completion of the preliminary design, planning permission will be applied for later this year. The new bridge will be at a lower level and only span over the Cheshire Lines Brook. This will allow the Cheshire Lines Path to cross over Moss Lane rather than pass beneath it and provide improvement for access and maintenance of adjacent 3rd party assets. The replacement structure will be designed to meet current highway loading standards and provide a minimum life expectancy of:- 120 years, offering continuity for road users. The proposed arrangement for the new bridge is subject to further negotiation with wider stakeholders through the design phase to ensure an arrangement is designed to accommodate users’ needs as far as is practicable. We would like to remind motorists that the closure remains in place to ensure the safety of road users."

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Did You Know?

Constructed in the:- 1880s, Moss Bridge is situated on the outskirts of:- Formby, Merseyside, (spanning the boundary area between both:- Sefton Council and West Lancashire Borough Council) to carry users of Moss Lane (back then in Lancashire). The bridge took traffic over the former Cheshire Lines Railway, with Cheshire Lines Brook also running underneath. Today, the bridge still connects both sides of the Brook, but the disused railway line's track bed is now part of the:- National Cycle Network Route 62 (the Cheshire Lines Path / Trans Pennine Trail).

Key dates for the Cheshire Lines Railway (Aintree to Southport Extension):-
 

• The Aintree to Southport Extension opened in:- 1884.
   

• Passenger services on the line finished on:- 7 January 1952.
   

• Freight / Goods services on the line stopped on:- 7 July 1952.
   

• The track was completely lifted and removed between:- 1957 and 1960.
   

Also, did you know that the:- National Cycle Network Route 62 (Trans Pennine Trail) officially opened in:- 2000 (with sections like the:- Liverpool Loop Line being developed from:- 1988 onwards and completed in 2000)?