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'C' Bridge set for
completion but road remains closed
AS 1 bridge opens, another closes, that's what's happening this month along Tower Road, as works to replace 2
crossings over the docks between Birkenhead and Wallasey continues.
There has been no through traffic along Tower Road now since the end of March as
the 'C' Bridge was replaced by a brand new structure. Tower Road has been closed
between Wirral Met College and the Twelve Quays roundabout, with access to the
ferry terminal at 12 Quays possible only from the Wallasey side.
Those works are set to conclude by 30 June 2017, at which time Tower Road will reopen
from the Birkenhead end up to Twelve Quays for access to the ferry terminal, but
close from the Wallasey side at the Dock Road roundabout to allow works to
continue on replacing the iconic 'A' Bridge.
Through traffic will continue to be diverted down Dock Road, across the Duke
Street bridge and via Cleveland Street.
Cllr Stuart Whittingham, Wirral Council Cabinet member for Highways and
Infrastructure, said:- "Replacing the 2 bridges at the same time is a
massive, but exciting, undertaking and represents a significant investment in
Wirral's transport infrastructure. When completed, the 2 new bridges will bring
long-lasting benefits to the local area, residents and the economy. We
know that Tower Road being closed brings disruption and inconvenience to the
travelling public but it looks like they showing the kind of patience that they
always do in these circumstances and can see the bigger, longer term picture."
Pedestrians and cyclists will continue to have access along Tower Road while the
replacement works take place via either temporary or diverted paths.
However, after 14 August 2017, when the old 'A' Bridge is scheduled to be removed,
they will instead have to use a shuttle bus; which will have a trailer for
bicycles if cyclists don't wish to ride along the diversion route. Unfortunately
there will be no disabled access on this shuttle bus service.
Works to replace 'A' Bridge, which is the lifting bridge allowing ships access
to the Wirral docks from the river, are considerably more complex that the
replacement of the 'C' Bridge and accordingly the road will be closed for a
longer period of time.
The old 'A' Bridge is set to be lifted out of position between 14
August and 18 August 2017.
The new 'A' Bridge is currently being fabricated in Anglesey and some sections
have already started to be delivered to Birkenhead to be assembled on the
quayside at the corner of Tower Road and Dock Road.
The main new 'A' Bridge structure itself is set to be floated in by pontoon,
between 22 November and 28 November 2017. Work is set to continue until 24 January 2018 when
the new 'A' Bridge will re-open to all traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
All these dates are based on the contractor's latest forecasts and may be
subject to change, but every effort is being made by all concerned to complete
these essential works as quickly and safely as possible in order to fully
re-open the road to all users at the earliest possible opportunity.
Cllr Whittingham added:- "The benefits of replacing the bridges 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 Wirral Waters.
Their replacement at this time is essential. They have many outdated features
and have required 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. If we had
allowed the deterioration of the bridges to continue, the route would very soon
have become totally inaccessible for HGV's."
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