WHEN the new Mersey Gateway bridge opens in the coming weeks, a new look road system stretching across Widnes and Runcorn will come into operation at the same time.

Around nine nine kilometres of road improvements and new junctions have been created from the M56 at junction 12 in Runcorn to the Widnes Eastern Bypass and Speke Road heading towards Liverpool.

Drivers are being warned to be extra vigilant when the new route opens fully as there are some changes in priorities and junction layouts.

Numerous signs are already in place advising motorists they are approaching a toll route and highlighting the last opportunities to leave the route before needing to pay a toll.

As soon as it opens the new bridge will be tolled, while the Silver Jubilee bridge will be immediately closed to traffic for refurbishment.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager of Merseylink, said: “Many of the new junctions along the route like Lodge Lane, Widnes Loops and Bridgewater are major engineering projects in themselves.

“Delivering all of these together across a nine kilometre route is a huge achievement and we’re busy putting the final touches to the route so everything is ready to open at the same time.”

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “This opening will be the result of three and a half years of hard work and extensive planning but we really would urge everyone to plan their journeys and take extra care on the new-look road system for the first few days while all drivers get used to the new routes.”

The exit slip at Ditton Junction will be the last opportunity for traffic travelling along Speke Road to leave the route and avoid paying tolls.

The approaches to the Silver Jubilee bridge will be closed for around 12 months once the new bridge is open, although Desoto Road will still provide access to 3MG.

Local traffic will be able to access and leave West Bank via Ashley Way and Victoria Road. There will be no access to West Bank from the Widnes Loops roundabout.

The new Bridgewater Junction will be fully operational with traffic lights in place.

This junction will be the last opportunity for traffic travelling down the Central Expressway to leave the route and avoid paying tolls.

Extensive signage will be in place to direct people along the new and improved routes to and from the Central Expressway to destinations like Runcorn Shopping City and Halton Hospital.

Drivers travelling north and looking to head to Runcorn Shopping City need to keep left as they approach Lodge Lane junction.

Drivers heading south along the Central Expressway will have a choice of whether to head towards the Weston Point Expressway or the Southern Expressway but the main route will take them to Weston Point Expressway.

Significant improvements and changes have been made to the Weston Point Junction which will make it much easier for drivers to travel between the Central Expressway and junction 12 of the M56.

All lanes on the new-look roundabout to the north of the M56 and the Weston Point Expressway will be fully open once the bridge opens.

The Silver Jubilee bridge will be closed for around 12 months at the same time as the new bridge opens. Approach roads to it will also be closed, although Desoto Road will still provide access to 3MG.