Road closures planned around Bidston Moss Viaduct improvements

May 20 2011

A SERIES of road closures are planned to take place on the busy M53, as work continues to strengthen the Bidston Moss Viaduct.

The Highways Agency advised that the closures, around Junction 1 of the motorway, would start after the late May bank holiday weekend and continue until work is completed next spring.

They will see bridge deck repairs and waterproofing and drainage improvements.

The improvements to the viaduct – which is part of the main route into the Kingsway (Wallasey) tunnel – will lift the current weight restrictions, help to reduce congestion and improve lighting and drainage.

Highways Agency project manager Graham Dakin said: "The viaduct is the main route into the Kingsway tunnel and is used by over 50,000 vehicles a day, including 3,000 heavy goods vehicles.

"The improvements we are making will allow the viaduct to operate at its full capacity, allowing vehicles over 3.5 tonnes back onto all parts of the viaduct.

"In order to complete the scheme, a number of lane or carriageway closures will be in place around Junction 1 of the M53 from May 31, until scheme completion in spring, 2012.

"The closures are needed to provide a safe working area for the workforce and to ensure the safety of road users."

The scheme was put together by Wirral Council, Merseytravel and the Highways Agency.