Bridge set to close for repair work

MARINE Way Bridge in Southport will be closed for three weeks as routine maintenance works are carried out next month.

The extensive works are scheduled to begin on the bridge, which is now 15 years old, from Monday, September 9.

In order to carry out the works safely and to allow access for large equipment, Marine Way Bridge will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, during weekdays.

However to compensate for increased traffic during weekends, the bridge will be reopened temporarily for both weekends commencing September 14 and September 21.

Diversions will be in

place throughout the closure to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for locality services, said: “The dates for the work have been chosen to take account of school holidays, the Air Show, the Musical Fireworks Championship and the 24-hour Yacht Race.

“The Marine Way Bridge is a vital asset both to our highways network and is the gateway to some of the most beautiful coastline in the North West.

And he added: “We have been working closely with our tourism team and partners to make sure the works take place during a brief quiet period in Southport’s packed events calendar.

“The works will start following the end of the Southport Air Show and we are confident they will be completed before the British Musical Fireworks Championships on September 27-29.

“However if bad weather delays any works, the bridge will be opened during that weekend to accommodate visiting traffic.”

A diversion route will be in place to direct traffic across Marine Lake and advanced signs on Marine Drive at the north and south will allow motorists to choose their preferred route to the east or west of Marine Lake.

For more information regarding road closures across the Sefton borough please visit www.roadworks.org