A £212 million major bypass to cut congestion and ease traffic flow has been welcomed by the Council after the Government confirmed funding for the scheme.
The Western Link scheme is set to deliver up to a 30% reduction in congestion around the town centre, cutting journey times through it by around 90 seconds per vehicle and, crucially, helping to improve air quality.
The link will also provide greater ease for journeys getting in, out and through Warrington by constructing a high-level bridge crossing over the River Mersey, which will reduce the impact of ship canal swing bridge openings.
The decision on the bypass, which will connect the A56 Chester Road to A57 Sankey Way, comes 15 months after the initial business case was submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) by the Council. The Government’s commitment to contribute £142.5 million towards the project is supported by the Council, which is contributing a further £70.2 million.
Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “This decision is great news for Warrington – it’s a welcome announcement that will help to keep our town moving.
“We need to support residents, visitors and businesses with the right infrastructure and, recognising Warrington’s growth over the decades and our future aspirations, this bypass is a vital part of helping to alleviate town centre traffic congestion and improve air quality.
“Investing in our transport infrastructure has, and continues to be, a priority and I’m pleased we’ve finally had confirmation that we can progress the Western Link scheme. This has been a lengthy process, and I’m grateful for the support we have received in getting the decision over the line – not least Faisal Rashid MP for his continued advocacy and commitment to the scheme.”
Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways and transportation, added: “The Western Link is a critical part of the Council’s Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) proposals. It will allow major improvements to be made to access in and around the town centre – by all types of transport.
“The completion of the scheme, expected by the mid-2020s, will provide a ‘missing link’ in the town’s transport network – and it supports our ambitions to tackle town centre congestion and our air quality improvement plans.”
