Kids unveil expressway footbridge
SCHOOLCHILDREN had the honour of opening a footbridge over the Central Expressway at Halton Lodge in Runcorn on behalf of the Mersey Gateway project.
Youngsters on Woodside Primary School’s council were guests of honour as they joined Merseylink bridge construction consortium staff for the launch ceremony.
Thirteen pupils, headteacher Richard Collings and Merseylink project director Richard Walker cut a ribbon a led a dash across the footbridge to declare it open.
Merseylink is changing the road layout at ‘Lodge Lane junction’ in preparation for the Mersey Gateway bridge route, so the original 1960s footbridge has been replaced with a longer, wider structure connecting Halton Lodge to Hallwood Park.
The steel footbridge was transported to site in five separate pieces, which were lifted into place by a crane.
It was then bolted together and welded to create one seamless crossing. The old bridge was dismantled and removed over the weekend.
George Smith, seven, had his hand on the scissors for the big moment of cutting the ribbon.
He said: “I really like this new bridge; it is much higher and wider than the other one.”
Fellow pupil Chloe Osborne, six, said: “I think the new bridge looks really pretty.
“We’re all looking forward to using it properly now it is open.”
Lexie Rogers, nine, said: “I really like the bridge because it looks just like the Runcorn-Widnes Bridge – it’s great.”
Chris Buckley, Merseylink landside operations manager, said: “This is one of 12 bridges across Halton that are being replaced, upgraded remodelled as part essential project works.
“The new footbridge is made entirely of steel and extremely durable.
“We hope that the local community will enjoy their new landmark for many years to come.”
Richard Collings, Woodside headteacher, said: The bridge is smart and modern-looking.
“It’s much wider as well, which will be helpful when we are walking the children down to Halton Lea.”
Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Borough Council leader, said: “The project is about much more than just a bridge, it is a vital link for communities and its fantastic to see the borough’s roads and existing infrastructure upgraded and improved right acoss the project route.
“The improvements are a direct benefit to our local communities and it’s a delight to see pupils from Woodside Primary School involved.” or of PRICES GUARANTEED BOOK NOW!