Published: Tuesday, 28th May 2019
Work is officially under way 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 complete in 2020, will support Warrington’s ongoing growth and transform journeys around one the borough’s most busy road networks.
It will see the delivery of a new bridge crossing across 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 executive board member for highways and transport, Cllr Hans Mundry to celebrate the start of work. Also in attendance were council officers and representatives from contractors at Balfour Beatty and Ramboll.
Cllr Bowden said, “It’s fantastic that these vital works are now underway. 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 the congestion in the town centre and bring huge benefits to residents and motorists alike.”
The main construction works, procured through the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure framework, will see the delivery of the new bridge across the River Mersey to connect Chester Road to the town centre via Slutchers Lane. To minimise disruption, the vast majority of the works to construct the new bridge and highway link will be undertaken with access via the ex-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 whilst 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 earlier this week 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 placement for young people and inspiring those to consider an exciting career in construction.”
A number of partners have provided the funding for the £19.89 million project. £5.3 million has been contributed by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise partnership via the Local Growth Fund. The Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government has contributed £3.7 million via the Housing Infrastructure Fund. The remainder of the funding comes from council borrowing.
For the latest information about the project, please visit warrington.gov.uk/centreparklink, or contact the project team by email at cpl@warrington.gov.uk
