Halton Borough Council responds to Daresbury Expressway concerns

Last week saw the closure of the Daresbury Express, a main route linking Warrington and Runcorn.

It will remain shut for three months until October 26 – a month longer than originally expected due to delays.

When the closure was initially announced earlier this year, residents shared fears that it would lead to rat-running through nearby neighbourhoods.

And for some residents, it seems these fears have become a reality, particularly for those living in Moore.

They say one of the issues caused by the closure is HGV vehicles diverting via small, narrow roads such as Hobb Lane, Holly Hedge Lane, Runcorn Road, and Delph Lane – in which a canal bridge and trees have been damaged on.

And on one occasion, it is believed a HGV struck a telephone pole in Moore which damaged the lines to a number of properties – leaving them with no connection to the internet or phone lines.

Since these damages, Delph Lane has now been closed.

The Runcorn and Widnes World put some of the concerns raised by residents to Halton Borough Council.

Here is what the council had to say:

A resident said: “There are no traffic signs stating that Delph Lane is unsuitable for HGVs as there are on the entrances to Hobb Lane, Holly Hedge Lane and Runcorn Road.”

The council responded: “The signs were there. They were on the approach to Delph Lane so that HGVs would see them in advance and not turn in.”

A resident said: “There is no adequate signage on the entrance to Delph Lane. Redrow have promised traffic management from 6am to 5pm which neighbours are reporting this person is sat in a van - evidently not managing traffic.”

The council responded: “Traffic management officers were in place during those times.”

A resident said: “The signage on the roundabout junction 11 off the M56 is inadequate and misleading.”

The council responded: “The signage has been checked and it is as approved. There is also advance signing on M56 approaches to junction 11.”

A resident said: “The Canal bridge on Delph Lane has been damaged along with trees. We are saddened at the damage to the bridge as this should be protected.

The council responded: “This damage is what has led to the closure of Delph Lane - errant HGVs are ignoring any signage and advice from traffic management officers.”