M53 Bidston Moss Viaduct Improvements

The Highways Agency are advising road users of a series of road closures around Junction 1 of the M53, starting after the late May Bank Holiday weekend 2011, as work continues to strengthen the Bidston Moss Viaduct in Wirral Merseyside. 

Once completed, the improvements to the viaduct, which is part of the main route into the Kingsway Tunnel under the River Mersey, will lift the current weight restrictions, help to reduce congestion, and improve lighting and drainage. 

The next phase of work begins on 31 May 2011 and will see bridge deck repairs and waterproofing and drainage improvements.  The completion date for the scheme is Spring 2012. 

Although traffic diversions to or from Kingsway Tunnel will be in operation, Kingsway Tunnel will remain open to traffic for the duration of the works at the Bidston Moss viaduct. At certain times one of the two tunnel bores may be closed for maintenance works, during these times traffic will operate in contra-flow. Please visit www.merseytunnels.co.uk for up to date information. 

Highways Agency Project Manager, Graham Dakin, said: “The viaduct is the main route into the Kingsway Tunnel, under the River Mersey, and is used by over 50,000 vehicles daily, 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 Tuesday 31 May 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. 

“During this time road users are advised to plan ahead, leave extra time for their journeys and to register for free updates on the roadworks by registering on the homepage at http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/5860.aspx.”

Closure details for proposed phases of the works are as follows:

Phase 1: 31 May to 14 July

Full closure of M53 northbound entry slip and lane 1 of A5139 Docks Link North from Junction 1 roundabout to Kingsway Tunnel approach slip. Traffic will be diverted from M53 Junction 1 via A554, A553 Hoylake Road and A5088 Wallasey Bridge Road to Poulton Bridge Road roundabout to rejoin the M53 at the Kingsway Tunnel approach road.

Duration: 7 weeks

Works to be carried out: concrete deck repairs, waterproofing, lighting, kerb drainage, resurfacing and Merseytravel will carry out work to replace Sherlock Lane Footbridge.

Phase 2: 15 July to 11 August

Full closure of northbound M53 link onto the A5139 Docks Link Road and full closure of the northbound carriageway of A5139 Docks Link Road to Poulton Bridge Road roundabout.

Diversion from M53 Junction 1 via A554, A553 Hoylake Road and A5088 Wallasey Bridge Road to Poulton Bridge Road roundabout.

Duration: 5 weeks

Works to be carried out: concrete deck repairs, waterproofing, lighting, parapet refurbishment, kerb drainage, and resurfacing, with refurbishment of Poulton Viaduct carried out at the same time.

Phase 3: 12 August to 29 September

Full closure of southbound exit slip from A5139 Docks Link Road to M53 Junction 1 roundabout and overnight closures of Docks Link Road from Poulton Bridge Road roundabout to A5139 southbound exit slip.

Diversion via Gorsey Lane, Dock Road, A5088 Wallasey Bridge Road, A553 Hoylake Road and A554 to M53 Junction 1

Duration: 7 weeks

Works to be carried out: concrete deck repairs, waterproofing, lighting, parapet refurbishment, kerb drainage, and resurfacing.

Phase 4 30^th September to 25^th October

Full closure of the southbound link from A5139 Docks Link Road to M53 southbound and overnight closures of Docks Link Road from Kingsway Tunnel Approach

Diversion via Gorsey Lane, Dock Road, A5088 Wallasey Bridge Road, A553 Hoylake Road and A554 to M53 Junction 1.

Duration: 5 weeks

Works to be carried out: concrete deck repairs, waterproofing, lighting, parapet refurbishment, kerb drainage, and resurfacing

Phase 5 Early 2012

M53 northbound offslip and southbound onslip overnight closures and lane closures of Junction 1 roundabout. Diversion via A554, A551 to M53 Junction 2.

Duration: 4 weeks

Works to be carried out: drainage and resurfacing to Junction 1 roundabout

These are proposed dates and the phases of the work may be subject to change as works progress. Up to date information will be provided on the Highways Agency website: http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/5860.aspx