The Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge was built in the 1920s and now requires a major overhaul to cater for the increasing volumes of traffic using the A56 trunk road. There are recurring problems with the surfacing. The project has to ensure that canal navigation is maintained through the continued provision of an opening bridge.

Representatives of local councils and British Waterways have met to discuss possible future plans for the bridge. which is structurally sound and operating well within its capacity. However, regional principal waterway engineer Joe Murphy said that maintenance issues regarding the deck plates are believed to be contributing to the decay of the road surface.