WARRINGTON Borough Council is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, and people who travel through the north of the town on proposed improvements to the A49.
Warrington Borough Council is consulting on the A49 Access Improvement Scheme, which covers Winwick, Poplars & Hulme, and Orford and estimates it will cost £5.6m.
This cost is part of a £9.4 million government package awarded to the council through the Local Regeneration Fund, with the projects in the area scheduled to be completed by March 2028.
The funding can only be used for this project.
The project looks at how the route works for all transport users, including people who walk, wheel, cycle, use buses, and drive.
Through the project, the council aims to improve everyday journeys by creating a safer, more reliable route between Winwick and North Warrington, the A50 Long Lane, and the town centre. This will help people reach jobs, services, shops, and leisure activities more easily, whatever way they choose to travel.
Many parts of the current route are old and worn out. Heavy traffic, poor crossings, and narrow paths make some journeys difficult and unsafe, particularly at busy junctions.
The proposed improvements would upgrade the A49 so it works better for everyone. This includes new and improved paths for walking, wheeling, and cycling, safer crossings, and changes that support bus travel.
The scheme also keeps traffic moving by maintaining the current number of lanes on the A49 for drivers and provides improvements at key junctions. It builds on recent bus improvements, making better use of work already completed between Long Lane and the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Key features of the scheme
• Improved routes: Better paths for walking, wheeling, and cycling, with clear separation from traffic where possible.
• Safer streets: Changes to roads such as Toll Bar Road to reduce conflict between vehicles and other users.
• Modern crossings: New and upgraded Sparrow and Toucan crossings to improve safety for all users.
• Better access: A new step free crossing on the A49 between Mill Lane and Toll Bar Road.
• Reliable journeys: The A49 will keep the same number of traffic lanes, helping to protect journey times for drivers and buses.
Warrington Borough Council Leader and cabinet member for transport, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “This project is an important step forward in connecting our communities and ensuring North Warrington is better integrated with the rest of the borough through high quality active travel links.
“By providing segregated routes, we aim to make it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle, boosting local health and opening up direct access to jobs and leisure.
“We want to hear the views of as many people as possible on these important plans for the area – so please take part in our consultation and have your say.”
The council is asking for feedback to help ensure the scheme delivers real benefits and good value for public money. Everyone who lives, works, or travels in the area is encouraged to take part in the consultation and share their views.
How to get involved
You can share your views on the scheme by completing the online survey up until 15 June or by email transportplanning@warrington.gov.uk.
You can also come along to one of our drop-in events on the following dates:
• Winwick Leisure Centre, WA2 8LQ – Tuesday 26 May (12pm – 7pm)
• St Andrews Church, WA2 9UE – Saturday 30 May (10am – 1pm)
• Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, WA2 8HE – Tuesday 2 June (12pm – 7pm)
More information on the A49 Access Improvement Scheme can be found HERE
