The installation will require a full weekend closure of the M56 in both directions between junction 11 and 12. The A533 Expressway bridge will also be closed in both directions. Long delays are expected and motorists are being advised to avoid the area or allow extra time.
The six winning artists, aged 5 to 11 years, were invited along to the project’s Topping Out ceremony as special guests earlier this month. The ceremony, which is an ancient ritual to mark the completion of a new structure, typically sees a branch placed at the highest point to release displaced spirits during construction.
Chris Buckley, Project Manager for AmeySRM, said: “Building the bridge on the side of the motorway is extremely innovative and has massively reduced the impact on road users during its construction over the last 10 months. It’s been great to share this major project milestone with local school children and their families. Hopefully we’ve helped to inspire the next generation of bridge designers, builders and engineers!”
Headmistress Anna Plant added: “It’s been very exciting for the school to get involved with such a significant construction project. The bridge helps keep our community connected and when the children use it in years to come, they’ll know they were part of its history.”