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A recommendation to strengthen the Bidston Moss Viaduct will be put to councillors in Wirral next week.
The Viaduct was constructed in 1970 as part of the Kingsway Wallasey Tunnel approaches and is a 730-metre long steel box girder bridge. It is jointly owned by the Highways Agency, Wirral Council and Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority.
The Viaduct provides a vital strategic link from the national motorway network to the Kingsway Mersey Road Tunnel and to the Birkenhead Docks and 12 Quays Irish Sea Ferry Terminal. It now carries a total of over 55,000 vehicles a day including approximately 5,000 HGVs.
In recent years, the viaduct has been subject to many traffic restrictions because of its condition, causing inconvenience and frustration to motorists.
At the Executive Board on February 8, Wirral Councillors will be advised that, if the strengthening works do not proceed, further restrictions may be necessary. The work will involve extensive strengthening of the steelwork, much of which can be carried out without affecting traffic.
If funding for the works can be secured, work will start in 2009 and be completed by 2011.
It is estimated that the total project cost, including all preparation and supervision fees, risk and construction of strengthening works could cost up to £78m. The Council and Merseytravel are hoping to secure funding for their share through the Regional Funding Allocation from the Department for Transport.
Speaking on behalf of the three organisations involved in the works, Wirral Council's Director of Technical Services, David Green said: "We are pleased that a solution to this long-standing problem has been agreed with our partners and are confident that we can make a strong business case to the Department for Transport to help secure the necessary finance so that the viaduct can be returned to full capacity as soon as possible."
For more information, please phone Tom Walker in Wirral Council’s Press Office on 0151 691 8388 or 07769 674294.
Ends
Press release issued: February 1 2007
