WORK is set to start next month (August) on a key Warrington Town Deal project – to upgrade the Trans Pennine Trail Greenall’s Avenue path – which will be used as a diversion route for pedestrians and cyclists when the Stockton Heath swing bridge closes next year.
Warrington Borough Council has given notice it intends to make an Order under Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to introduce a footpath closure on the Trans Pennine Trail from Greenall’s Avenue to A49 Wilderspool Causeway.
The Order will be effective from 22nd August 2022 for 3 weeks, however the works are weather dependent so will be in place as and when signed on site. Access will be under the control of the relevant Contractor for the duration of the works. The alternative route will be via Greenall’s Avenue, Wilderspool Causeway and vice versa. The closure is required to allow for vegetation clearance works in association with the footway/cycleway improvement scheme.
Meanwhile, consultation on the project is still ongoing until August 1st – CLICK HERE
Warrington Borough Council is developing plans to carry out major improvements to this part of the Trans Pennine Trail in west Latchford, between Wilderspool Causeway and Greenall’s Avenue, as existing route is narrow and has a poor quality surface which is very muddy after rain. Funded by the Warrington Town Deal, the proposed scheme will provide a wider path (up to 3.5 where space permits) with a bound surface such as tarmac, which will be more weather resistant and harder wearing.
The new path will be very similar in design to the recently completed section of the Trans Pennine Trail between Knutsford Road and Wilderspool Causeway and will benefit people walking, cycling, using mobility scooters and wheelchairs, helping people travel sustainably, healthily and safely. As part of the works, the access from Wilderspool Causeway will also be upgraded to improve the gateway onto the Trans Pennine Trail at this location.
Most of the proposed improvements will be along the line of the existing path and will not impact on local residents. The vast majority of trees along the route will be retained, due to their importance to the local environment. However, to make room for the path and to prevent future root damage and leaf drop onto the new path, a small number of trees will need to be removed. A tree survey has been carried out which confirms the numbers, species, age, and condition of the tree stock.
The aim is to complete the works before the closure of the Stockton Heath swing bridge in April 2023, so that this path can be used as one of the diversion routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
