Council leader issues statement over ongoing Kingsway South road works

THE leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr. Hans Mundry has issued a statement on the ongoing Kingsway South road works, which are set to continue until late March.

It follows the introduction of a 24/7 lane closure for the ongoing SP Energy Networks roadworks and upcoming Active Travel improvements on Kingsway South.

Cllr Mundry said: “As a reminder, essential ducting works by SP Energy Networks are underway on Kingsway South to support a major customer connection. To allow the SP Energy work to take place safely, they require a 24/7 lane closure, which will remain in place until 30 January.
“Once SP Energy Networks complete their essential works, every effort will be made to keep any further disruption to an absolute minimum while we then work on the Kingsway Bridge Active Travel scheme. Although this means roadworks will continue until late March, the hours of working will be scaled back as much as possible from the end of the month, with the majority of the working restricted to between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm outside of peak traffic periods.
“This traffic scheme will ensure we can make Kingsway Bridge safer for everyone, especially the many young people walking and cycling to the nearby high school. It will add a new two-way, separated cycle route on the east side of the bridge, along with much-needed safer crossings on Kingsway North and South and better links to Farrell Street and Bridgewater Avenue. By giving cyclists their own dedicated space, we can reduce conflict with people on foot while still keeping the same number of traffic lanes for drivers.
“Completing the SP Energy Networks upgrades alongside the Active Travel scheme will cause some short-term inconvenience, but it avoids repeated disruption later and delivers a safer, more reliable route for everyone, especially local schoolchildren. We are very sorry about the disruption the works will cause, but we are also clear that the scheme, once delivered, will bring significant positives to this part of our transport network. There will be short-term pain, but undisputable long-term benefits.”