Motorists advised to be aware of major new expressway diversion in Runcorn
Motorists are being advised of a major new road diversion in Runcorn as work progresses towards the construction of the new Mersey Gateway bridge.
The southbound slip road from the A533 Central Expressway to Weston Link at the Lodge Lane junction will be permanently closed from Monday, July 27 as part of the ongoing changes to the road layout in and around the town.
When the project work is completed in 2017, the main traffic route will flow uninterrupted from the Central Expressway to Weston Link and on to the M56 Junction 12. This will provide a faster and more straightforward route than at present.
The official diversion, marked with a diamond symbol, will take drivers north up the Central Expressway on to the Bridgewater Expressway and around the Weston Point Expressway, back to Weston Link.
The diversion route will be clearly signposted for motorists to follow.
Hugh O’Connor, General Manager of Merseylink, said he appreciated the diversion would add some distance and time to motorists’ journeys, but said it could not be avoided at this stage of the project.
He said he was grateful for the patience motorists had shown throughout the various stages of disruption.
“The southbound slip road at Lodge Lane must be closed as we continue on with our plans to upgrade and improve the road layout in preparation for opening the Mersey Gateway to the public in 2017,” said Hugh.
“We appreciate this will inconvenience people and the diversion in place will add travel time onto journeys, but it is necessary to allow the team to carry out essential work.
“I must point out that while this slip road will never re-open, the main traffic flow that connects these two areas will be substantially improved by the end of the project as it will be part of the main route to the bridge.
“I’d like to urge everyone driving through Runcorn to follow the reduced speed limits, as this will allow you time to understand the diversion signs and therefore follow the right route to your destination.”
The £1.86 billion Mersey Gateway Bridge will open in 2017, connecting the towns of Widnes and Runcorn across the River Mersey.
It will relieve congestion around Halton, help to regenerate the area and will create thousands of direct and indirect permanent jobs across the north west.
For more information on other ongoing road works, visit: www.merseygateway.co.uk/down-your-street/