The completion of a major roadwork improvement scheme for Birchwood is being celebrated, with residents and commuters already reporting a vast improvement in journey times around the town.
Warrington Borough Council and its partners – Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, Birchwood Park and Balfour Beatty – have announced the official completion of the Birchwood Pinchpoint project.
The project has reduced high levels of congestion at peak times as well as improved journey times along the A574 corridor, improved safety for users, including pedestrians and cyclists, and improved bus journey times to and from Birchwood
Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: “The Birchwood Pinchpoint project is a very good example of how key improvements to the transport network can make a big difference. For a relatively small amount of money – just £5 million – we have eradicated peak hour queuing on both the Dog Bone and Moss Gate junctions on Birchwood Way, created a brand new bus-only link between north and south Warrington and improved travel safety for all users of the junctions.
“And it doesn’t end there, our transport planners are continuously working on ways of improving the transport network for the benefit of all.”
Jonathan Walsh, director at Birchwood Park, said: “We’re already receiving excellent feedback from occupiers and visitors about the completed Birchwood Pinch Point improvements, and we’re appreciative of Warrington Borough Council’s efforts with this project, as they supported our initial requests and have since cooperated with us throughout each stage of the road works.
“An integral part of Birchwood Park’s appeal is its connectivity and its convenience for the staff that work here. By working with us to secure funding and develop this key junction, the council has made a significant difference to the businesses based here.”
Paul Weaver, managing director of Balfour Beatty’s West Delivery Unit, said: “The A574 Birchwood Pinchpoint Project has been particularly successful. Through close collaboration with Warrington council, Mott MacDonald and a local supply chain, the project was delivered on budget and on programme.
“The Pinchpoint Project is particularly important to us as it is our first contract under the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework, with 86 per cent of the work delivered by local SME’s and enabling Warrington council to meet some very challenging timescales.”
Philip Cox, chief executive of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “The LEP recognised the significant economic impact that this scheme could generate in supporting the growth potential of Birchwood Park and its surrounding areas, which is why we invested £2.14m through the Local Growth Deal to help bring this project to fruition.”
The project was funded by Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire and Warrington LEP and Birchwood Park; designed by Mott MacDonald transport consultancy and built by Balfour Beatty.
Click here for more information about the Birchwood Pinchpoint project.
