Plans on display for M56 junction

HIGHWAYS England is to hold a public information event over plans to install a ‘junction 11a’ on the M56 in Runcorn.

The proposed route would lie between junction 12 at Clifton and junction 11 at Preston Brook.

Residents can find out about the plans from 10am to 8pm on Tuesday, September 6, at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, Runcorn Linnets Football Club, Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6DL.

An announcement on Highways England said the junction would connect the M56 with the A533, which runs from Northwich Road to the south past Murdishaw roundabout to the Southern Expressway and onwards to the future Mersey Gateway to the north.

It said the scheme is ‘in the very early stages’ and proposals are still being developed.

The project is part of the Government’s Road Investment Strategy for the 2015-20 Parliament.

Highways England said the junction will hopefully create better connection to the Mersey Gateway bridge due to open in autumn 2017, reduce congestion, provide a ‘worldclass network’, boost road safety and ‘minimise any negative impact on the environment’.

A Highways England spokesman said: “The Government announced proposals for a new junction to link the M56 to the A533 at Runcorn, creating an improved link to the new Mersey Gateway bridge from the south.

“We are currently reviewing options and will be consulting in late 2016.

“This scheme was announced in 2014 as part of the Road Investment Strategy.

“It forms part of a package of proposals for the North West. Costs for the scheme are to be confirmed. We are currently determining the options that will be taken forward for consultation, which will involve the local community, local authorities and other organisations such as environmental bodies.

“Following consultation, a preferred route will be announced and the proposals would be further developed.”

Anyone with queries about the project can email ha_ info@highways.gsi.gov.uk or call 0300 123 5000.