THE project to repair an M6 bridge which is more than six decades old has been named one of the best of the year.

National Highways launched its scheme to carry out essential repairs to the ageing River Dane bridge, which carries the motorway over the water between junctions 19 and 18, near Holmes Chapel.

The structure, which is more than 60 years old, required a major upgrade with National Highways teams strengthening the supporting piers by replacing the concrete with hard-wearing materials.

Now the successful scheme has been honoured with the Project of the Year gong at the 2023 Concrete Repairs Association Awards.

In a ceremony held in Liverpool, the project was praised for an 'innovative' approach which saw the work divided into phases, reducing costs and the impact on the environment.

Mangat Bansal, programme delivery manager, at National Highways, said: “The team’s unwavering dedication was nothing short of outstanding.

"Road safety was always at the forefront of their role, but they also ensured that local communities were actively involved, every step of the way.

Northwich Guardian: The National Highways team presented with the awardThe National Highways team presented with the award (Image: National Highways)

“A huge well done to everyone involved in making this project a success which has culminated in a well-deserved award.”

National Highways worked closely with Concrete Repairs Limited to design and develop plans for the major repairs and future-proofing of the bridge.

Thousands of road users travel on the route daily, so keeping the structure operational during the works was important and ensured there was minimal disruption to commuters.

The project team actively engaged with local communities and hosted a site tour for 30 engineering students from Liverpool John Moores University.

Friends of the Dane Meadow, the Environment Agency and the Fishing Federation were also partnered with on the project.