A funding bid for a historic bridge in Staffordshire has been endorsed by councillors. The county council\s Cabinet has approved the submission of Chetwynd Bridge to the Government’s Structure’s Fund, and 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.
The agreement comes after a Westminster Hall debate on the bridge saw the project praised by Government. The county council was commended for its ‘stewardship’ in managing the asset, as well as effectively conveying the strength of local support for the plans to replace the structure.
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.
“I’m pleased that the recent Westminster Hall debate on the bridge saw the county council singled out for praise in both the quality of our bid and our management of the asset.
“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. “We’re ready, so my hope is that Government makes a decision on the fund soon, so, if successful, we can get on with the job of building the new bridge.”
(Picture: Staffordshire County Council)
