Drivers to face three-year delays as major motorway repairs begin next week to restore historic bridge

Drivers have been warned of a major renovation project beginning next week along a key motorway, which will see a historic bridge repaired.

The M53 motorway is set to receive a £50million boost as part of National Highways' work to repair the key route, as well as bridge replacements across Merseyside and Cheshire.

Work will begin next week and continue over the next three years, with the agency promising to keep traffic moving while carrying out the upgrades on one of the North West's busiest roads.

The project forms part of the Government's £27billion Road Investment Strategy, which includes £8.4billion for resurfacing roads and renewing bridges between 2026 and 2031.

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Research shows that several bridges on the M53 are now more than 50 years old and in need of repairs to stay safe for drivers.

National Highways warned that the motorway was built at a time when traffic levels and vehicle weights were far lower than they are today.

The first work to start will be at Eastham Viaduct on Monday, May 18, with a £3million maintenance scheme launching to replace expansion joints on the bridge between junctions 4 and 5.

The viaduct carries traffic over the Wirral Circular Trail and the Merseyrail line between Chester and Liverpool.

As part of the wider project, four bridge decks crossing the motorway will also be replaced at Upton Road between junctions 2 and 3, Raby Hall Road between junctions 4 and 5, and Clatterbridge interchange at junction 4.

Bridge decks, which are the sections carrying traffic over the motorway, will be replaced with new ones built beside the M53 before being moved into place once the old structures are demolished.

National Highways explained that most of the work will be carried out overnight using lane closures, although some weekend motorway closures will be needed during demolition and installation work.

To help impacted drivers, diversions and traffic management systems will also be put in place on surrounding local roads.

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The scheme also includes £5.2million of resurfacing work, £455,000 in drainage improvements and repairs aimed at improving long-term reliability on the motorway.

Amy Williams, National Highways director for the North West, said the investment would help future-proof the route for motorists.

She said: "This £50million maintenance, renewals and repairs package will help secure safe, smooth and reliable journeys for businesses, commuters, residents and other motorway users for many years to come."

The resurfacing and drainage work between junction 7 at Ellesmere Port and junction 10 at Little Stanney is due to start in July and continue into the autumn.

Drivers have also been warned to expect regular overnight carriageway closures during this phase of the project.

National Highways will hold public information events so residents and road users can learn more about the plans and upcoming disruption.

The M53 spans nearly 19 miles between Chester and Wallasey, with parts of the motorway dating back to the early 1970s, and the final southern section completed in 1982.

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