Birchwood’s major road improvement scheme, the ‘Pinch Point’ project, has been named ‘Transportation Project of the Year’ by the Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) at the North West regional awards dinner held last week.
The Birchwood Park-backed scheme, which completed last year, has reduced peak hour congestion by 19 per cent. It has also improved accessibility for buses, pedestrians and cyclists.
The improvements were requested by Birchwood Park to reduce peak time congestion in the Birchwood area. Long journeys and heavy traffic had meant that Birchwood was subject to an unfavourable reputation for slow access during peak periods.
Martin O’Rourke, Commercial Director at Birchwood Park, said: “When we initially approached the council with our concerns around congestion, it was with a view to significantly enhance perceptions in the region; ensuring the park remains a competitive destination for business in the North West.”
Birchwood Park offered to financially contribute towards Warrington Borough Council’s bid to the government’s Local Pinch Point fund in 2013, providing the initial £1 million which kick started the funding for the £5.23 million project.
Martin added: “This award recognises the huge impact these improvements have had in the Birchwood area and it is great for us to now see our customers and the local community reaping the benefits.”
