Drivers can have their say on plan for roundabout

MOTORISTS face weighing up the short and longterm pros and cons over the redevelopment of Murdishaw roundabout as part of the construction of M56 junction 11a.

Tristram Bardrick, Highways England’s project manager for the extra motorway junction, said the two options for a ‘through-about’ or a cross-roads junctions each has its merits and drawbacks.

He said the cross-roads will boost access and flow between the connected roads but will mean more disruption during works and the roundabout option, known by some as a ‘hamburger’ junction, would be less disruptive and take less time but will be as good for traffic movement in the longer term.

Speaking at a public information event at Murdishaw Community Centre, he said residents had travelled from around the neighbourhood and from further afield such as from Frodsham to find out about the works.

He said building work is due to begin in 2020 with construction to take about two years.

Although intended to provided improved access to and from the Mersey Gateway bridge, Mr Bardrick said all the cash is being provided by the Government’s Roads Investment Strategy.

It is also hoped the scheme will provide a ‘safety valve’ during heavy traffic and drivers wishing to divert at junctions 11 at Preston Brook, which leads to Daresbury Expressway, and 12 at Clifton, which is connected to the queue-prone Weston Point Expressway.

Monday’s consultation event was well-attended with the standard car park full just after 5pm.

Three more sessions are due to take place with members of the team on hand to answer residents’ questions, at Preston Brook Village Hall, Sandy Lane, WA7 3AW, 10am-4pm on Saturday, January 28; Halton General Hospital, Hospital Way, WA7 2DA, 10.30am-1.30pm on Tuesday, January 31; and Holiday Inn Runcorn, Wood Lane, Beechwood, WA7 3HA, 4-8pm on Wednesday, February 1.

Residents can give their views at roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/m56-new-junction-11a, by emailing M56NewJunction11A@highwaysengland.co.uk or by post to M56 New Junction 11a, Highways England, Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester, M1 2WD.

Anyone with questions can call the project team on 0300 470 2733.

Consultation opened on Monday and the deadline for comments is Monday, February 27.