To ensure the safety of the public crossing the Silver Jubilee Bridge, Halton Borough Council has taken the decision to restrict access at certain times to the footpath/cycleway, while the bridge is closed for refurbishment. This means on weekdays a free of charge shuttle bus service will take pedestrians, cyclists (and their bikes) and people using mobility scooters across the river during times when the footpath/cycleway is not available.
The unique characteristics of the bridge and its environment have meant that as the scheme for carrying out the refurbishment works has been developed, it has been necessary to adapt original plans, particularly in relation to the design of the scaffolding that is required for painting and other works to take place. As a consequence, it would not be safe for the public to cross the bridge while work at heights is taking place. This means that it will be necessary to restrict access whilst these scaffolding works are ongoing.
Relocation of Silver Jubilee Bridge temporary shuttle bus stop in Runcorn
From Friday 1 March, the shuttle bus will be picking up and dropping off from a new location in Runcorn on High Street by Waterloo Bridge.
The current bus stop located near to Doctor’s Bridge will no longer be in use.
The relocation is necessary due to the temporary closure of the Weston Point Expressway, which will close on 1 March for one year approximately. This closure is necessary for removal of the road known as the ‘trumpet loop’, which will be replaced with a new five-arm roundabout, which together with other road improvements, will create better links between the Silver Jubilee Bridge, Runcorn Town Centre and Runcorn Station.
The service will continue to operate Monday to Friday, picking up/dropping off every 15 minutes between 7.30am and 4pm.
If you need any more information please contact the NTT on 0800 1953 173 or email ntt@halton.gov.uk
The Widnes bus stop located at the end of Waterloo Road near to the junction with West Bank Street, remains unchanged.
Outside of these hours, and at weekends, the footpath/cycleway will be open as normal.
The bridge will reopen to pedestrians and cyclists in the Summer of 2019, with the reconfigured bridge and road network expected to be completed in early 2020.
Cyclists & pedestrians are reminded that they are prohibited from the Mersey Gateway Bridge:
A Mersey Gateway Project spokesperson said: “The River Mersey (Mersey Gateway Bridge) Order 2011 prohibits pedestrians and cyclists from using the Mersey Gateway bridge on safety grounds as it is a major 60mph six-lane route, and byelaws regulating the use and operation of the new crossing have been passed to this effect. The Silver Jubilee Bridge provides a much shorter and direct route between the two town centres and will be modified for this local use with designated cycle and pedestrian routes. “We are making it clear across the media and our extensive communications channels that cyclists and pedestrians are prohibited from the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and we will continue to relay this message. Any cyclist or pedestrian found using the Mersey Gateway bridge will be in contravention of the byelaws and become liable for prosecution. We want everybody to enjoy the magnificent new bridge safely and urge all users to please pay close attention to the new road signs and layout, follow the speed limits and drive safely.”
