Merseylink and Halton Borough Council urge motorists to drive safely through roadworks
Motorists using Halton’s highways are being urged to take extra care when driving through roadworks across Runcorn and Widnes.
The joint call comes from Merseylink and Halton Borough Council ahead of national Road Safety Week (23-29 November 2015).
Road Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event, coordinated by road safety charity Brake, which works to prevent road death and injury, make streets and communities safer, and supports the victims of road crashes.
An extensive amount of work is underway in Runcorn and Widnes to upgrade and remodel the 7km road network in preparation for the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. There are also ongoing council works taking place to maintain and improve the Borough’s roads.
The Mersey Gateway work includes the upcoming major closure of the Central Expressway in Runcorn, which takes effect from 30 November 2015 and will be in place until summer 2016. The closure is essential for ongoing work to build and upgrade the bridge approach roads.
Speed restrictions, diversions and lane closures are in place here, and at various locations north and south of the River Mersey to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and the project’s own workforce.
Drivers are being advised to pay particular attention to diversion signs, stay within the revised speed limits, and take time to get to know diversion routes and new junction layouts.
Hugh O’Connor, General Manager at Merseylink, said: “Road safety affects everyone. We want to keep residents, road users, and our own workers as safe as possible. This is our number one priority. We are reducing speed limits and road layouts in the areas where we are working. While the vast majority of motorists are sticking to these reduced limits, its important to remember that they are there for everyone’s safety, and will be enforced.”
Cllr Tom McInerney, Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Transportation, said: “I’d urge all drivers to be patient and drive safely while we make these essential improvements to our roads”.
Once complete, the new and improved road network will create an important transport route joining local communities and connecting the new bridge to the main motorway network.
The latest information about road works and diversions is available on Mersey Gateway’s website – www.merseygateway.com/down-your-street