CONSTRUCTION work for the new Mersey Gateway bridge will be ramped up in January, 2015.

Night time working is being planned at the M56 junction 12 to ease daytime congestion.

A new site compound is earmarked near the Hallwood Park estate.

Work is starting on the inner structures of the coffer dams in the river.

New diversions will be introduced mid-January where the Bridgewater, Daresbury and Central Expressways meet in Runcorn.

Motorists on the eastbound Bridgewater Expressway will be diverted through Astmoor.

The westbound carriageway on the Daresbury Expressway will be reduced to one lane.

Motorists are warned that this is likely to cause delays in all directions.

Cllr Rob Polhill, leader of Halton Council and chairman of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: “It’s essential that people know what is happening.

“We are working closely with Merseylink to keep people informed about the plans.

“It’s worth remembering this new bridge is already bringing new jobs and investment to the area, and will bring quicker and more reliable journeys for us all.”

The Royal Café in Hutchinson Street is being demolished.

Work is continuing on the trestle bridge across the river. It should be completed in the spring.

Merseylink is seeking planning permission to work from 7pm to 5am from Monday to Friday and at weekends at the M56 junction 12 and along the Weston Point Expressway.

This will eventually reduce the amount of work done during the day, easing traffic delays.

Work is due to start on a temporary two-storey site office and car park for project workers near Hallwood Park. Residents will be notified.

The land will be restored around the new look road layout once the project is completed mid 2017.

A new footbridge is being built over the Central Expressway and the existing Lodge Lane footbridge will then be demolished.

The Ditton junction slip road to Speke Road will stay closed until April, 2015.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager for Merseylink, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for the careful and considerate way they have been travelling round our site and through the roadworks in Halton.

“Next year is going to be an extremely busy year for construction in the river and on land in both Runcorn and Widnes.

“These roadworks and closures are essential to make sure car users, pedestrians and workers stay safe.”