Mersey Gateway - Making connections
The Mersey Gateway project which is currently under construction will provide a second road crossing over the River Mersey, comprising of a 6 lane cable stayed bridge, providing 3 free flowing lanes in each direction.
A key element of the project which isn't quite as well known is the project to upgrade the existing expressway which will connect the new bridge with the M56. When the bridge opens traffic will switch from using the A557 which connects the existing bridge to the M56, to the A533 (Central expressway).
The project involves upgrading and realigning 5 junctions on the Runcorn side of the river and 2 on the Widnes side. 2 of the junctions in the Runcorn area require complete remodelling in order to improve traffic flow and 3 will be realigned and improved.
A key element of the project which isn't quite as well known is the project to upgrade the existing expressway which will connect the new bridge with the M56. When the bridge opens traffic will switch from using the A557 which connects the existing bridge to the M56, to the A533 (Central expressway).
The project involves upgrading and realigning 5 junctions on the Runcorn side of the river and 2 on the Widnes side. 2 of the junctions in the Runcorn area require complete remodelling in order to improve traffic flow and 3 will be realigned and improved.
The A533/A558 interchange will be completely remodelled in order for traffic to be able to access the new bridge. The remodelling will involve constructing an overpass to connect the bridge approach road with the A533.
The A558 will pass under the the A533 and be intersected by a double roundabout which will provide access from the A558 to the southbound A533 and the bridge approach.
The junction which connects the A557 to the M56 will also be completely remodelled with the main connecting roundabout becoming a Hamburger roundabout or throughabout. The section that will cut through the centre of the runabout will connect with the roundabout which connects to the westbound M56 entry and exit slip roads.
The A558 will pass under the the A533 and be intersected by a double roundabout which will provide access from the A558 to the southbound A533 and the bridge approach.
The junction which connects the A557 to the M56 will also be completely remodelled with the main connecting roundabout becoming a Hamburger roundabout or throughabout. The section that will cut through the centre of the runabout will connect with the roundabout which connects to the westbound M56 entry and exit slip roads.
Another key junction which will be realigned is the junction which connects the A557 to the Weston Link, which in turn connects to the A533 Central expressway. The new junction layout will provide improved links between the A557 and the A533, upgrading the section of expressway to become the core link road.
In Widnes the Ditton junction will be completely remodelled so that the A533 Speke Rd/Queensway can be realigned to take traffic toward the new bridge approach road. The existing bridge access will connect with the new alignment at Ditton junction.
Untangling a number of busy junctions and interchanges to provide an upgraded link road is a massive and complex project in itself, one that is disruptive for local commuters and motorists from further afield who wish to use the existing bridge. However the works are essential for the current expressway network to be expected to provide an essential link for the region for decades to come.
Once the works are complete local commuters and those accessing the new bridge will be able to appreciate the work that has been carried out in order to upgrade the road network.
Admittedly it has not easy detailing such complex works, however a full list of junction improvements can be found here, the site contains further information and images showing what the new junction will look like once complete.
[update: additional labels have been added to the map]
[update: additional labels have been added to the map]
Map of the route which will connect the M56 to the new bridge.
A557 to the Weston Link looking toward the M56. Vegetation has been cleared in preparation of work to improve the junction to commence.
Machinery and tipper trucks parked in the middle of the existing M56 junction roundabout.
Looking north toward the M56 roundabout.
Looking south toward the M56 roundabout.
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