Sigh of relief as bridge reopens

Open for business . . . Steve Woodcock, from Gold Hawk, and Melanie Adamson, from the Unity Partnership, take a look at the repaired bridge that spans the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

A bridge dubbed “the bridge of sighs” has reopened after undergoing repairs — bringing to an end more than a year of traffic misery in parts of Saddleworth.

And today the team who carried out the restoration work confirmed they had completed the intricate job 24 hours ahead of schedule.

Massive damaged was caused when a water main burst at Brownhills Bridge at Dobcross New Road a year last Good Friday.

Since then residents and travellers have faced temporary sets of lights and barriers which have caused traffic snarl-ups at rush hour and school times.

Complaints focused on the traffic delays which hit businesses in Uppermill, while officials worked out a strategy to fully restore the bridge spanning the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

Steve Woodcock, construction manager for Gold Hawk Restorations, which carried out the specialist repairs, said: “The bridge is now open for business again.

“It has been a most exciting project. We finished the job a day ahead of schedule, which makes us very proud.

“It has been particularly gratifying to receive favourable comments and support from locals. One motorist even pulled up just to thank us for a job well done.

“We have used some innovative techniques to restore the bridge,” he added. “We are very pleased with the operation.”

Filmmaker Ken Stephinson, who lives near Brownhills, said: “It has almost been a bridge too long. Lines of traffic, queuing to get past the temporary lights, blocked the entrances to homes, so we are glad it is completed.”

And boatman John Lund, who makes tourist trips on this narrowboat Pennine Moonraker along the canal, said: “I’m delighted the job has been done and I can get back to using the popular tourist route passing under Brownhills.”

Melanie Adamson, from Oldham Unity Partnership, said: “The roads and bridge are fully operation and the temporary lights and barriers have been removed.”

Uppermill village baker, Ian Scholes, from JW Buckley’s on High Street, said: “The temporary lights and delays meant people from Delph avoided Uppermill. It’s been a long job.”