WORKS to modernise the Warburton Toll Bridge near Lymm are scheduled to begin on Tuesday 22 October, with toll charges suspended from this Monday, 30 September and for the duration of the works.
The works are set to proceed following approval from the Department for Transport to upgrade the bridge and update the toll rate, the outcome of an inquiry held by the Department into the matter in 2022.
Motorists in the area should allow extra time and/or use alternative routes and be aware that full closure may be required at times.
In approving the toll update, the Department for Transport agreed the bridge needs extensive repair work and renovations to provide a modern crossing for road users, which will improve reliability and cut journey times.
There will be a discount scheme in place for local residents once the upgrade works are complete and the toll is restored. The new toll will cover future maintenance and repair work, required to ensure the bridge remains safe and operational.
The current 12p toll rate, one of the lowest in England, was set by an Act of Parliament in 1863.
Local users and Warrington Borough Council were dismayed over proposals to increase tols from 12p to £1, although a 50% concessions will be available in the local area.
A spokesperson for the Manchester Ship Canal Company, which owns and operates the bridge, said: “At present we have a 19th century toll that is incapable of supporting the demands of a 21st century road user. The road users in Warrington and Trafford have long demanded a modern crossing that meets their needs, and that is what these works will deliver. The toll rate has not changed in 161 years – we estimate that, had it kept up with inflation, the toll would now be around £15 rather than the £1 it will be when the works are complete.
“Any improvement works involve a degree of disruption, so although this is inevitable, we apologise for any inconvenience and thank all road users for their patience.”
The works are expected to last for at least a year, though they are subject to weather conditions, availability of supplies and other factors that affect construction projects.
An advertising campaign will alert the public to the works and any major updates throughout the duration of the project.
More information will be available from www.warburtontollbridge.co.uk/ with an option to register for email updates.
Peel Ports have been granted an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 which now permits them to:
•Increase the toll from 12p for a one-way trip up to a maximum of £1 each way.
•Ensure that users of the bridge will pay in full for the improvements to the bridge. The council argued that the costs should be split between Peel Ports as the owner of the bridge and users – this was rejected.
•Use the increased toll to put in place the installation of an automatic toll collection system, which will allow Peel Ports to collect tolls from motorists and take enforcement action against anyone who doesn’t pay. This would operate in a similar way as happens on other bridge crossings with the most prominent local example being the Mersey Gateway bridge.
•Increase the toll in future by 1% below the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
•Transfer the bridge into a separate company.
