Whint Footbridge set for demolition ahead of replacement project
Work to demolish the Whint Footbridge in Haydock is set to begin today, Monday 17 November, as part of a council project to replace the existing narrow structure with a wider, modern steel footbridge.
Article date: 17 November, 2025
The demolition, to be carried out by principal contractor P.P. O'Connor on behalf of St Helens Borough Council, will take place over five days - from Monday 17 to Friday 21 November.
The existing structure will be replaced with a two-metre wide, 17-metre-long compliant steel pedestrian bridge, painted to match similar structures within Sankey Valley Country Park.
The new bridge will be installed early in 2026. Its delivery is supported by the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) - covering off-site fabrication, painting, demolition, foundation widening, and installation of the new footbridge.
The existing bridge was closed last year after regular inspections found significant structural issues.
Schedule of demolition works:
- Mon 17 & Tues 18 Nov: Site mobilisation and installation of steel protection plates to safeguard underground services.
- Wed 19 & Thurs 20 Nov: Demolition of the existing bridge and removal of materials.
- Fri 21 Nov: Site demobilisation and removal of protection plates.
To ensure public safety, the Public Right of Way through the area has been closed under a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) for the duration of the works.
Councillor Tracy Dickinson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, said:
"We wish to thank residents for their patience and cooperation while we work to deliver a safer, more accessible link for pedestrians through Sankey Valley Country Park. The new bridge represents significant investment in public infrastructure that will support accessible walking, wheeling and cycling and enhance connectivity across the area for many years to come."