A NEW road viaduct is being built in Widnes as part of the Mersey Gateway Project.

Construction teams are preparing to install a set of giant concrete beams to for a new high level road crossing that will carry traffic over the Widnes Loops junction.

Work starts during the from Friday, January 13 to Monday, January 16.

A series of weekend and overnight closures are planned for Victoria Road and Waterloo Road while the work takes place to minimise disruption and to ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists and construction workers.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager at Merseylink, said: “These essential works form part of the wider construction that is happening at the Widnes Loops junction.

“Closing the road will allow us to safely construct the new road viaduct above Waterloo Road.

“As ever, the safety of pedestrians, motorists and our construction workers is our number one priority.

Eight pre-cast concrete beams – each measuring up to 31 metres long and weighing around 65 tonnes – will be lifted into place by a 350 tonne crawler crane positioned in the middle of Victoria Road.

Closures are scheduled for the following times:

• 7.30pm Friday, January 13 to 5am Monday, January 16

• 7.30pm Friday, January 20 to 5am Monday, January 23

• overnight closures on January 16-18 from 7.30pm to 5am.

A local vehicle diversion will be in place and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

The Irwell Street bus stop will be fully operational and a temporary bus stop will be installed on Hutchinson Street after Wandsworth Way.

Further closures will take place in February to allow construction teams to lay the concrete deck for the viaduct.