Planners in key moves over new £390m Mersey crossing

Mar 31 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Jubilee bridge

THE first planning applications for the new £390m toll bridge over the Mersey have been submitted today.

Three applications relating to major road changes and the future use of the current Silver Jubilee Bridge have gone to Halton Borough Council.

One application is for permission to reduce the current four lanes in each direction to two on the current bridge and provide separate pedestrian and cycling lanes.

The Jubilee Bridge will be closed during lane alterations, after the new bridge is up and running.

The two other applications relate to changes to direct traffic towards the new bridge and tolling stations.

The Mersey Gateway Project is hoping to alter the flow of traffic between the A533 Central Expressway and Junction 12 of the M56 towards the new bridge.

Proposals include bringing hard shoulders into use and changing the roundabout connecting to the M56 into a signal controlled junction. Although tolling powers will need separate approval, the applications also include toll booths in Widnes.

One of the applications covers proposed work between Ditton roundabout and the old bridge, where roads will have to be dramatically modified to direct traffic towards the new crossing.

The applications don’t relate to the design of the new bridge itself, the main tolling plaza or the approach roads between Astmoor and the proposed Ditton junction.

Planners estimate there will be an 80% reduction in vehicles using the Jubilee once the new bridge is open, allowing it to convert back to its original use as a local crossing point.

Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council, said he was excited that, after 12 years of fighting, the bridge was becoming a reality. He said: “In the past 40 years, the Silver Jubilee Bridge has had to cope with a ten-fold increase in traffic and is struggling to cope with the volume and sheer weight of the traffic.

“We need this bridge and I hope these applications will be passed to allow us to prepare for the new bridge and bring the SJB back into public use for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The new bridge will not only reduce congestion, but will bring huge benefits for Merseyside and the region as a whole.”

laurasharpe