Asbestos dumped under M53 motorway flyover

Mar 12 2010 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Echo

Asbestos dumped on motorway construction site in Wirral

DEADLY asbestos dust was found at a major motorway construction site forcing scores of workmen to down tools.

Contractors closed the site under the M53 Bidston viaduct yesterday amid fears for workers’ safety.

More than 55,000 cars also use the flyover, which is near the Wallasey tunnel, every day.

The viaduct is part-way through an £85m refurbishment and strengthening programme being overseen by Liverpool-founded developer Costain.

After the discovery, a worker on the site – who did not want to be named – told the ECHO: “It’s a concern for the public and for the workforce who are here. You can see all the traffic going over the motorway.

“It’s like a little wind tunnel. You only need the sun to dry it out and the dust will travel.

“We had a big issue about it when it was found.

“It’s low grade but it’s still asbestos. All asbestos kills you if you breathe enough.”