A BUSY commuter route in Widnes is being bulldozed to make way for the Mersey Gateway.

The closure of Ditton flyover which links Speke Road to the Runcorn Widnes bridge is likely to cause major disruption and delays.

From March, traffic travelling along the A533 in both directions between will be diverted through Ditton roundabout.

Traffic will still be able to access the bridge at all times throughout the work but delays and disruption are expected in the area, particularly at peak times.

Ditton Road heading towards Hale will also will also be closed from the beginning of March for approximately three months.

The demolition of two bridges over Ditton roundabout will take place over two weekends in March.

Lower House Lane will re-open in late March.

A section of Ashley Way will then close for several months to complete the new four way signalised junction planned to replace the existing roundabouts.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager for Merseylink, said: “This is one of the most important interchanges we have to build on the existing road network.

“Keeping the public and our site team safe is our first priority at all times and due to the nature of the traffic management diversions we will have to put in place to ensure everyone’s safety.

“We anticipate that this work will cause disruption and delays for drivers using this busy route.”

Drivers are advised to plan their journeys.

He added: “I’d urge everyone who travels on this road to look at the diversion routes and plan their journeys accordingly, keeping a look out for any alerts on radio, social media , our website and roadside signage.”

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill and chairman of the Mersey Gateway executive board, said: “Already, there have been many changes to the area around Ditton Junction and this is an important milestone of the project.

“While this new closure is expected to cause disruption we ask for your continued patience and co-operation.”

Later in 2016 there will be further changes to the road network around Watkinson Way as the new Widnes Loops junction is built on the site of the former Catalyst Trade Park close to Waterloo Road.

While work is ongoing, the Widnes Loops junction will take traffic from that section of the Widnes Eastern Bypass to the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

Throughout the year the Merseylink team will continue building the main Mersey Gateway Bridge and the new link roads that will take traffic towards Liverpool or across the new bridge.

When the new bridge is open, traffic will be able to travel uninterrupted between Speke Road and the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on a two lane dual carriageway.

The freeflow tolling system that will be used on the new bridge will mean traffic will be able to travel through the area at an estimated average speed of 40mph.

Once the new bridge is open the Silver Jubilee Bridge will be remodeled as a local bridge that will have vastly improved pedestrian and cycle links but will retain one lane of traffic in each direction.