New bridge could cause traffic chaos

FEARS that a new bridge over the River Mersey at Halton could have an adverse impact on traffic in Warrington were expressed at a meeting of the borough council’s executive board.
Warrington was consulted on the Mersey Gateway Project by Halton Borough Council. The scheme will provide a second bridge crossing, near to the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge linking Widnes and Runcorn.
Executive board members saw a transport model, which is part of the consultation, and shows usage of the two bridges. There will be traffic diverted into Warrington, due to the impact of the proposed tolls on the bridges.
Members were concerned this would have an adverse impact on Warrington’s already congested river crossings, which cause delay to traffic both at peak and off-peak times.
But members agreed to support the scheme on condition that Halton and Warrington work positively together to mitigate the impact on traffic levels in Warrington. The board asked for a progress report in two months.
Council leader Ian Marks (pictured) said: “We are supportive of the new river crossing at Halton, however, I feel that it would be unfair for residents of Warrington to have to live with increased traffic as a result of the scheme.
“Both councils will work closely together to ensure that any diversion of traffic to Warrington is mitigated.”
The Mersey Gateway Project team is working with a sophisticated traffic model which shows that, with tolls expected to be similar to the Mersey Tunnel, there will be an increase in traffic using the Warrington bridges of around four per cent by 2015. The majority of this traffic diversion is expected to be outside peak hours.
Coun Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council and chairman of the Mersey Gateway executive board, said: “We are delighted that Warrington Borough Council, along with all the other local authorities throughout the region, is continuing to support our bid for a new crossing in Halton.
“We recognise that any potential increase in traffic through Warrington is a concern for local residents and will be working closely with Warrington to see what improvements can be made.”
If it gets the go-ahead the new bridge is expected to open in 2014 and will include a deck carrying six lanes of traffic (three in each direction) with a speed limit of 60mph and a lower deck designed with space for a possible future tram or light rail system.