A KEY gateway into Warrington will be getting greener and smarter thanks to a new borough council project.
And a 7 metre high fir tree will be the centre piece of the gateway.
The council will be carrying out environmental improvement works along the A562 Warrington Road starting from next week to improve this major route into town.
The transformation of the area will be taking place in two phases during the year.
Phase One, starting this month and expected to take 4-6 weeks, involves tree planting along the A562 Cuerdley Roundabout and along the A5080 Farnworth Road roundabout.
A variety of flowers and trees are being planted within the Cuerdley Roundabout and along the side of the roads and there will be vegetation screening added along lengths of fencing to the highway boundary.
The fir tree will be put in place during this phase and thanks to a power feed it will can be covered in lights for the festive season.
Phase two is still at the planning stage, but it is intended to begin in September to coincide with next available planting season.
It will include tree and low level planting within the central reserve between the A562 Cuerdley Roundabout and Heath Road, dressing the central reservation surfacing and a general review of the street furniture and signage along this corridor.
Running in parallel with Phase 1, the council’s street lighting team will be carrying out column and lantern replacement works.
Existing street lighting from the central reserve will be relocated within the footways along the road and will incorporate modern energy efficient LED technology lanterns.
In addition highways maintenance works will also be carried out at the same time with the three projects planned together to limit disruption to residents and commuters.
Councillor Linda Dirir, the council’s lead member for highways, transformation and climate change, said: “I am looking forward to seeing this key gateway into the town transformed and made greener and a project like this has the ability to add character to Warrington for residents and visitors alike.
“By programming in the street lighting and highways maintenance works at the same time we can also minimise not only disruption to residents but also the costs associated with carrying out much needed improvement works in our town.”
The project is joint funded by the council, through its capital programme and Penketh Parish Council.
Pictured: Cllr Allin Dirir, Cllr Linda Dirir, Sharon Walls, service manager public realm and Cllr Kathryn Brennan chairman of Penketh Parish Council discuss the transformation of the Penketh Gateway.
