M53 construction site shut down after workers discover asbestos

Mar 17 2010 by Ben Schofield, Heswall News

A CONSTRUCTION site on the M53 was shut down last week after workmen discovered deadly asbestos dust.

Contractors closed the site on the Bidston viaduct amid fears for workers’ safety.

More than 55,000 cars a day use the flyover near junction one and the Wallasey tunnel entrance.

Workmen are part-way through an £85m refurbishment and strengthening programme being overseen by Costain.

A worker on the site, who did not want to be named, said: “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.

“This was delivered Friday last week and now they are spreading it around. Someone tested it on site and confirmed it was cement-based asbestos. It’s low grade but it’s still asbestos. All asbestos kills you if you breathe enough of it.”

The asbestos was found in rubble that is believed to have been brought to the site from Liverpool.

It was dumped from around nine lorry loads last week and workers fear there could be up to 90 tonnes of contaminated rubble on the site.

No one realised the danger until it was moved around the site from the start of last week, when workmen divided it up to use as hardstanding.

Costain sent up to 100 workers home yesterday after the emergency closure.

Workers said an emergency clean-up was due to be carried out on Saturday and Sunday.

The 37-year-oldviaduct is a vital link between the Wallasey Tunnel and the M53.

It is understood the rubble containing the asbestos came from the old Renshaw bakery, behind the Adelphi hotel. The building, which is owned by Britannia Hotels, is being demolished by asbestos-specialists Controlled Group.

Controlled, which is licensed and authorised to clean up asbestos, insists its site was given the all- clear by an independent analyst.