Beam lifts clear way for M67 bridge deck

Final beams lifted as M67 bridge prepares for concrete deck phase

National Highways has completed the installation of eight large steel beams at St Anne’s Road Bridge in Denton, Greater Manchester, marking a key milestone in its £23 million replacement project.

The successful beam lifts mean that construction of the concrete bridge deck – the surface vehicles will travel on – can now begin. This marks the start of the next major phase in the scheme, which is replacing the existing bridge over the M67 motorway.

Each pair of braced beams weighed up to 65 tonnes and was carefully lifted into position during the final full weekend closure of the M67 for the project. The work was carried out under controlled conditions to ensure safety and minimise disruption.

Mangat Bansal, programme delivery manager at National Highways, said: “The work went very well and according to plan, with each pair of beams lifted successfully and safely into place. We had to close the motorway to complete this part of the project and thank everyone for their patience.”

The beam installation marks a turning point in the project, as the focus now shifts to building the in-situ concrete deck above the supporting structure. The deck will be constructed over the coming weeks using conventional formwork and reinforcement methods, ensuring long-term durability and strength for vehicles using the route.

The replacement of St Anne’s Road Bridge is part of National Highways’ ongoing investment in renewing key infrastructure across the motorway network. The project is scheduled for completion later this year.