Work starts on £19 million scheme to ease traffic congestion

WORK has started on the Centre Park Link – a major highways scheme which aims to ease congestion and maximise Warrington’s economic potential.
The £19.89m project, which will be completed next year, will support Warrington’s ongoing growth and transform journeys around one the borough’s most busy road networks.
It will see construction of a new bridge crossing the River Mersey from Chester Road, just north of Gainsborough Road. The crossing will join onto an extended Slutchers Lane, leading from Wilson Patten Street.
A new signal controlled junction is to be constructed at each end of the new link on Chester Road and Wilson Patten Street.
Council Leader Russ Bowden was joined by outgoing Mayor Cllr Karen Mundry, and lead member for highways and transport, Cllr Hans Mundry to celebrate the start of work. Also present were council officers and representatives from contractors Balfour Beatty and Scape Group.
Cllr Bowden said, “It’s fantastic that these vital works are now under way. This area has needed these improvements for some time and we are now delivering them.
“This is a major transport project for Warrington because it will help ease congestion in the town centre and bring huge benefits to residents and motorists alike.”
To minimise disruption, the vast majority of the works to construct the new bridge and highway link will be undertaken with access via the former golf driving range and Slutchers Lane.
There will be a need to facilitate access to the construction site and the businesses located on Centre Park via Slutchers Lane for several months while the existing Slutchers Lane/Wilson Patten Street junction is re-modelled and signals installed.
Cllr Hans Mundry said: “Delivering high quality transport infrastructure which supports Warrington’s growth is a key priority for us, so it’s great news this work has officially started.
“The Centre Park Link scheme will mean smoother, faster journey times for thousands of motorists around Bridge Foot and Chester Road, help keep the town centre moving and support Warrington’s ongoing economic development.”
Thomas Edgcumbe, Balfour Beatty managing director for its North and Midlands regional business, said: “We were delighted to join with Warrington Borough Council and Scape Group to celebrate the commencement of works to this critical new scheme, which will significantly improve road access and ease traffic congestion in the local area.
“Through the scheme, we will leave a lasting, positive impact on the local community; offering a number of work experience placements for young people and inspiring those to consider an exciting career in construction.”
For the latest information about the project, visit warrington.gov.uk/centreparklink, or contact the project team by email at [email protected]