Have your say on highway changes

WARRINGTON motorists can have their say about proposed changes aimed at improving traffic flows on the busy A49.
Warrington Borough Council is asking for the public’s views on planned improvements to the A49 Winwick Road /A50 Long Lane / Hawley’s Lane roundabout on Winwick Road. A questionnaire will be available from now until February.
The upgrade, due to start in 2010, was approved at the council’s December executive board meeting and will take 24 weeks.
It aims to reduce congestion, improve bus access and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
It will create right turn lanes on both A49 Winwick Road approaches and relocate bus stops on Winwick Road. The roundabout will be removed and replaced with a traffic signal crossroads junction.
The A50 Long Lane approach will be widened and access from A49 Winwick Road to Densham Avenue will be closed to reduce rat-running and allow a left turn to A50 Long Lane. There will also be improved pedestrian and cycle path crossings.
Various temporary traffic restrictions will be in place to allow for the works, which will be restricted to off peak traffic periods with some works taking place between 7pm and 5am.
Cllr Alan Litton, (pictured right) executive board member for environment and transport, said: “We know that motorists have several concerns about this junction and we have considered a number of alternatives in depth to establish the best, cost effective options to deliver improvements.
“We do appreciate that these works will cause disruption but motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike will all benefit from these upgrades.”
Consultation documents will be available soon from council offices and the council website.