Broken footbridge temporarily reopens after complaints about 2-mile diversion

A footbridge which was closed for repairs forcing people on a two-mile diversion is set to reopen temporarily after complaints from regular users.

The Jackson's Boat bridge between Sale and Chorlton closed last month due to safety concerns – but residents were told repairs could take nine months. This forced people who use the bridge by foot to take a 42-minute diversion.

However, people ignored the warning signs and continued using the bridge anyway, despite the danger caused by a loose truss identified on April 29. Users of the old bridge urged Manchester council to replace the 'important link' with a temporary scaffold bridge or improve the paths along the river.

READ MORE: Nine-month footbridge closure forces walkers on 42-MINUTE diversion down River Mersey

But now, the council has confirmed that the bridge will reopen this weekend and it will remain open for two weeks with a temporary solution put in place. Plyboard sheeting is to be be installed on the bridge on Friday (May 27) and -weather permitting - the bridge will temporarily reopen on Saturday (May 28).

In a update shared by the Chorlton Park councillors, a spokesperson for Manchester council said: "[The] Highways Service are pleased to announce that they have found a temporary solution that will enable the bridge to be temporarily reopened from Saturday ahead of next week's holiday period. If we can improve on this and open it later [on Friday] we will do so.

"The initial repairs are taking place [on Friday] and are dependent on weather in terms of material curing. On Friday, May 27 [Manchester council's] contractor are installing plyboard sheeting to the entire area on top of the existing bridge decking with anti-slip treatment, that will see the