|
Dock bridges closure on 1 of
the busiest routes in the Wirral
RESIDENTS are reminded that one of the
busiest routes across the docks between Wallasey and Birkenhead closes next week
as work on a multi-million pound investment in highways infrastructure gets
underway.
The works involve 2 of the old '4 bridges' - the 'A' and 'C'
bridges; along the A554 Tower Road being replaced completely and mean there
will not be a through route along this road until the end of 2017.
As a result, the Council and its partners are urging those who use the route,
either as drivers or on public transport, to familiarise themselves with the
diversion routes or changes to scheduling which will be in place while the works
take place.
Cllr Stuart Whittingham, Wirral Council Cabinet member for Highways and
Infrastructure, said:- "This is an exciting project and a significant
investment in Wirral's transport infrastructure which will bring long-lasting
benefits to the local area, residents and the economy. Of course we know that
replacing the bridges will mean more disruption to the travelling public between
March and December as the works take place and there will be no through route
along Tower Road, but I believe that residents will show the patience that they
always do in these circumstances and see the bigger, long term picture. 1
of our most important 2020 pledges is to have a local transport infrastructure
that is fit for the future and this project is a major element in us delivering
on that promise."
Cllr Whittingham added:- "The benefits of these new structures and the
improvements it will bring to the road network will help us to grow and develop
the local economy, particularly around the Twelve Quays area and the Wirral
Waters project.
Moreover, their replacement at this time essential. They have been requiring
frequent and costly maintenance over recent years causing significant disruption
to drivers, with the route regularly having to be closed, often with very little
notice, for emergency or essential maintenance.
The current bridges have many outdated features and if the rate of deterioration
had been allowed to continue the route would very soon have become unsuitable
for HGVs."
The works will involve the 'A' Bridge; the 1 that is covered by the
machine house; being replaced with a new innovative rolling bascule lifting
bridge, powered by hydraulic cylindrical rams. The 'C' Bridge, which is
the 1 closest to the new Wirral Met College and Contact Company buildings, is
being replaced with a modern flat deck fixed concrete slab.
The works are being funding largely due to a successful bid of more than ?6
million for Department for Transport (DfT) Local Highway Maintenance Challenge
funding.
Well marked diversion routes, via Dock Road, Duke Street and Cleveland Street,
will be in operation when the full road closures are in place and access to and
from the Stena Line ferry terminal will be maintained at all times. Drivers
should expect additional traffic and delays during this time and plan their
journeys accordingly.
The 145, 811, 409 and 423 bus services will follow the diversions put in place
and some timetables will be amended. Both bus users and motorists should expect
additional traffic and delays and are therefore advised to check before they
travel, plan their journeys and leave extra time for journeys.
A temporary footbridge will be provided next to the 'C' Bridge during its
replacement, so that pedestrians and cyclists can continue to use Tower Road. A
temporary shuttle bus will be provided during the closure of the 'A' Bridge from
late June 2017 until the bridge re-opens to pedestrians. Details of the shuttle
bus operation will be provided in due course.
Cllr Whittingham added:- "Much planning has gone into this project over a
considerable period of time and we believe we have identified the shortest
possible duration to carry out the work to enable both bridges to be replaced
quickly and in a safe and efficient way. We have been liaising closely with
Merseytravel and with bus operators to ensure appropriate and sufficient public
transport provision is maintained."
Details of all Wirral roadworks can be found
online. For help
with journey planning on public transport, visit:-
Merseytravel.Gov.UK or call 0151 236
7676. |
