A NEW road link is set to create direct access into Runcorn Old town from the Bridgewater Expressway.

Traffic lights were chosen by Halton councillors this week as the best way to co-ordinate the junction, near the end of Runcorn Spur Road.

The project, part of the SRB programme, is estimated at costing between £99,000 and £113,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

An earlier option of a double roundabout layout was dismissed because it could have created traffic congestion and would have taken up more land.

Traffic lights were given the go-ahead as controlled signals provide much more flexibility. The timing can be altered at peak hours and a cycle way and bus lane could be incorporated at a later date.

The traffic signals will use the existing carriageway alignment but will require the purchase of land owned by the Bridgewater Motor Boat Club.

Preliminary discussions have already been held with the club, about various schemes to replace their mooring facilities.

Indications are that the Council will be able to reach agreement on compensation and accommodation works in order to meet the programme construction date.

The impact of the traffic scheme on the Runcorn/Widnes bridge has been assessed, members of the planning and transportation sub-committee were told this week.

"At peak times queuing traffic may interfere with the operation of the new junction ," members were told.

"However, traffic signals would cope better during these periods by controlling traffic flows and providing opportunities for crossing traffic to and from the town centre.

"In addition the signal phasing could be designed to allow for priority to be given to buses and cycles as part of future traffic management schemes."

Disruption to traffic during construction of signals would be substantially less than if two roundabouts were built.

Costs of the two schemes are similar, councillors were told, and will be met through SRB funding. W S Atkins have been appointed as consultants for the design and implementation of the scheme.

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