Mersey Gateway works to intensify in January 2015
Construction work in Runcorn and Widnes for the new Mersey Gateway Bridge is set to intensify in January 2015 as new elements of the work get underway in a number of different locations.
This will include:
- Work starting on the inner structures of the cofferdams in the river
- New diversions in place where the Bridgewater, Daresbury and Central Expressways come together in Runcorn
- The submission of an application for night-time working at M56 Junction 12 / Weston Point Expressway area
- The creation of a new site compound near the Hallwood Park estate
- Diversion of an electricity main on the Clifton Park estate
- The ongoing closure of the Ditton Junction to Speke Road on-slip road
- The off-peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) closure of the inside lane on the southbound Ditton flyover from 7 January for a fortnight
- The off-peak (9.30am – 3.30pm) closure of the eastbound inside lane on Watkinson Way from 15 January for a week
- The demolition of the Royal Café in Hutchinson Street
Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: “It’s essential that people know what is happening and we are working closely with Merseylink to keep people informed about the plans, but it’s also worth remembering this new bridge is already bringing new jobs and investment to the area, and will bring quicker and more reliable journeys for us all.”
Hugh O’Connor, General Manager for Merseylink, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for the careful and considerate way they have been travelling round our sites, and through the roadworks in Halton.
“Next year is going to be an extremely busy year for construction in the river and on land in both Runcorn and Widnes, and these roadworks and closures are essential to make sure car users, pedestrians and workers stay safe – please keep driving safely.”
The economic, transport and social benefits that the project will bring to the region include:
- 470 permanent full-time equivalent jobs on site during construction
- 4,640 permanent direct and indirect jobs
- £61.9 million a year in Gross Value Added from the new jobs by 2030.
When it opens in 2017, both the new bridge and the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be tolled, but they will be free* to all Halton residents.
*Residents of Halton will still need to register to use the bridges and there will be a small charge for this.