Town centre’s regeneration on road to success
RUNCORN town centre’s regeneration has reached another milestone with the opening of the Station Quarter roundabout.
Vehicles began using the five-spoke junction linking Bridgewater and Weston Point Expressways with Greenway Road and the town centre on August 28.
Previously the spot was occupied by the Trumpet Loop flyover slip for the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB).
The roundabout will link to the SJB when the crossing reopens, sometime this autumn.
Bridgewater Expressway has been shut to traffic for 18 months to allow work to transform the area around Runcorn Station.
A Halton Borough Council spokesman said construction work had progressed well despite pandemic work
Large tracts of land have also been cleared to make space for future redevelopment.
The next big step in the planned revival of Runcorn town centre will be the reopening of the Silver Jubilee Bridge, expected sometime this autumn – a broader time span than Halton Council’s previous goal of some time in September.
A piazza-style public square outside the station will also form part of the completed works.
Cllr Stan Hill said: “Reopening this major piece of our road network marks significant progress in our ambitions to improve connectivity and create an impressive new gateway to our borough from Runcorn Station.
“You can already see the staggering difference demolition has made, restrictions. completely opening up the view from the station across to the town centre. “We have a really exciting vision for Runcorn Station Quarter and this reopening enables us to move one step closer to achieving it.
“I’d like to thank all of the motorists whose journeys have been disrupted by this closure for their patience.”
A Halton Council spokeswoman said: “The new five-arm roundabout will ultimately create better connections between the Silver Jubilee Bridge, Runcorn Town Centre and Runcorn Station.
“The Silver Jubilee Bridge will remain closed for now, but it is anticipated that it will be opening to vehicles in autumn this year.
“Cyclists and pedestrians can already cross the bridge using the footpath.”