A NEWLY remodeled Runcorn junction reopens to westbound traffic on Sunday.

Traffic will be able to use the Bridgewater and Daresbury Expressway.

Motorists heading for the bridge will be able to use a new ‘dumbbell’ interchange.

The exit slip road from the Daresbury Expressway onto the A553 Central Expressway will close for four months while the existing bridge over the Bridgewater Canal is refurbished.

One lane of the Bridgewater and Daresbury Expressways will reopen to eastbound traffic two weeks later on Sunday, November 6.

This means the diversion through Astmoor Industrial Estate, which has been in place since March 2015, will no longer be needed. Construction teams are getting ready to build the elevated section of road that will cross the Astmoor Industrial Estate.

This work will involve lifting giant concrete beams into position between the viaduct piers to create the base of the highway.

A road closure will come into effect on Sunday, November 6 at Astmoor Road between Davy Road and Chadwick Road for three months to allow construction workers to complete this work safely.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager at Merseylink, said: “The Bridgewater junction is one of the major road infrastructure upgrades on the project and we’re making significant progress enabling us to reopen the Bridgewater and Daresbury Expressways.

“This will be welcome news for the motorists who regularly use these routes.

“Our teams are now ready to construct the viaduct that will sit high above Astmoor Road and we’ll be closing part of the main road through Astmoor Industrial Estate to ensure the safety of the public, road users and construction crews while this work is underway.

“We’re working closely with local businesses in the area to keep people informed as much as possible. Once again, I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we complete these essential works.”

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “It’s great to see new roads open in Halton.

“This junction is one of the most extensive across the project route and it’s a testament to the hard work of the construction teams now that the remodeled roads will re-open.

“I look forward to seeing how the work in this area progresses over the coming months.

The Mersey Gateway bridge is set to open in autumn 2017.