Chester: Nicholas Street Viaduct Inspection

DELAYS EXPECTED – SIX-WEEK WORK PROGRAMME

The programmed dates for these contraflow works on the inner ring road are from 21 September 2025 until 31 October 2025.Use this link to track updates regarding this work.

The Nicholas Street Viaduct is a thirteen span post-tensioned structure that carries the A5268 inner ring road in Chester over side roads, the canal and the main Holyhead railway. The 300m long viaduct was opened in 1966 and extends from the City Walls at St Martins Gate to the Fountains roundabout at the north end of Upper Northgate Street.

Post-tensioned bridges use high strength steel tendons embedded in the concrete structure. A special inspection is required to check on the condition of these steel tendons. These inspections need to take place in various locations: the top of the bridge and the underside including sections over the railway, the canal and the side roads.

In order to inspect the top of the bridge safely, a contraflow will be required to close off each side of the viaduct in turn. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but there will be delays in the area. Additionally, the City Walls Road will need to be closed at its junction with St Martin's Way, with access to properties and emergency vehicles being maintained from Watergate Street.