TRAFFIC on one of the busiest junctions in Widnes is set to ease as a key stretch of Mersey Gateway roadworks reaches a new phase.

The new road under Ditton junction bridge opens on Monday, September 26.

Drivers travelling south from Liverpool towards the Runcorn Widnes bridge will no longer have to follow the old Ditton roundabout route.

Ditton roundabout will be reconfigured to a signalised junction.

The southbound Queensway onslip from Ditton junction to the Silver Jubilee bridge will close.

The northbound Queensway offslip to Ditton junction will become two way to take two lanes of traffic in both directions between Ditton junction and the bridge.

Traffic travelling from Ditton Road to the Silver Jubilee Bridge will need to go through Ditton junction to the Kingsway roundabout and return to the junction along Moor Lane until the new bridge opens in autumn 2017.

For drivers approaching the junction from Liverpool and heading towards Runcorn the changes mean they only have to pass through one set of traffic lights at the junction before heading on towards the bridge.

There will be no significant change to the current route through the roadworks for drivers heading north as they come off the Silver Jubilee Bridge and down to the junction to travel towards Speke Road and on in the direction of Liverpool and the Knowsley Expressway.

This new arrangement will be in place for around 12 months until the new bridge opens and the permanent road network in the area is opened.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager of Merseylink, said: “We’re still on track to open the new bridge in autumn 2017 and it is good that we’re now starting to open new routes as well as closing them.

“There will be clear signage in place to show drivers where to go once they arrive at the new-look Ditton Junction but we’re asking people to take their time and drive safely while they get used to the changed layout.”

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: "It’s good to see the construction team is now starting to open new roads and improved routes on both sides of the river and this is good news for drivers travelling between Speke Road and the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

“I’m looking forward to more new routes opening this year and next as we head towards the new bridge opening in autumn 2017.”