Get in the loop as line repairs begin
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MOTORWAY users from Halton heading towards Merseyside are being urged to plan their journeys due to anticipated busier routes after work began on renewing a rail line.
Motorists travelling on the M56 and M62, which run past Runcorn and Widnes respectively, are being warned of extra traffic on the roads.
The six-month Wirral Loop Line Track Renewal programme began on Tuesday, January 3, between Wirral and Liverpool.
It means there are no cross-river rail services for the first six weeks of the year with the Mersey Tunnels and surrounding routes expected to be much busier as a result.
Highways England has been working closely with Merseytravel and Wirral Line operators Merseyrail to plan for the closures and is urging drivers to plan ahead and check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys – especially at peak travel times.
Rail users are being encouraged to continue using public transport – express rail replacement services, existing crossriver buses and the Mersey Ferries – to help keep the tunnels and surrounding routes flowing.
Highways England’s Phil Stockford said: “Merseytravel and its partners have being working really hard to publicise these important modernisation works and are encouraging rail users to stick to public transport rather than jump in their cars.
“However, we want regular users of our roads in and around Merseyside, including the M53, M56, M62 and A5036, to appreciate that this work is taking place, that there may be extra traffic on their journeys – especially through the tunnels – and also to get into the habit of checking traffic conditions before setting out and planning their journeys accordingly.
“For our part we’ll be monitoring congestion and incidents closely and working to advise drivers of any issues.”
Merseytravel is advising road users to look to travel at non-peak times where possible and allow extra time for journeys, ensure cars are winter-ready to avoid any potential breakdown in the tunnels or on surrounding routes which would cause disruption and delays to all motorists
Motorists from Halton using the Mersey Tunnels are also advised to apply for a tunnel Fast Tag which as well as saving drivers money on each tunnel journey assists traffic management flow through the toll plazas.
Road hauliers and delivery firms are also advised to discuss with customers whether deliveries or pick-ups can be rescheduled to avoid travel through the tunnels at peak periods.