INFILLING work started this week on the old Ashton-in-Makerfield Station Bridge, which carries the A49 (Lodge Lane) over the disused railway line.

The bridge, which is no longer required and has weak footways, is located between the entrance to Haydock Park Racecourse and the Wigan boundary.

St Helens Council's Engineering Consultancy designed the project in partnership with the Haydock Park Racecourse and The Parks Office Development. Included in the contract are improvements to the racecourse entrance and boundary treatments to both sides that will improve security and views in the area.

The works contract has been awarded to Megan Construction Ltd. who will be on site for the next five weeks. There will be one-way working controlled by traffic signals to ensure public safety while the works are on site.

Chairman of the council's Highways and Transportation sub-committee, Councillor Joe De Asha said: "This project will improve the approaches to two prestigious sites in the borough, Haydock Racecourse and The Parks Office Development, and will remove a future maintenance liablility for the council."

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