A MAJOR 10-year transport project which includes a cycle ‘superhighway’ and road improvements in Runcorn has cleared a vital hurdle.

Halton Borough Council bosses have given the green light to the next phase of the East Runcorn Connectivity Corridor (ERCC) scheme, which would reshape the transport infrastructure network in that part of the town over the next decade.

The project is part of a wider Liverpool City Region Transport Pipeline which planners hope will underpin the creation of new job opportunities and housing projects, specifically around East Runcorn at Sandymoor, Sci-Tech and Manor Park.

The project includes the idening of the A558 Daresbury Expressway from the junction of Pitts Heath Lane to Innovation Way, major maintenance of the A56 from the junction at Keckwick Lane to M56 junction 11, the introduction of a direct cycle superhighway from the Pitts Heath Lane Junction to the existing A56 cycle corridor - connecting Halton with Warrington - and a new road connecting M56 J11 to the A533.

The council is seeking pre-development grant funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority of £1.9m for the first phase, with a total of £7m being sought over the next four years for preliminary work and to develop a business case for Government.

At a meeting of the council’s ruling executive board, members agreed to approve the plans, as well as appoint consultants Mott MacDonald to carry out the first phase of the work.

Speaking at the meeting, the council’s deputy leader and Halton Lea councillor Dave Thompson told members: “Let there be no doubt about this, this is making Runcorn a key hub on the M56 between North Wales and Manchester.

“I read a report recently from the Department for Transport in terms of the links between areas like this and economic development, and I think it’s very, very clear that when you create the infrastructure you support wider regeneration.

“Not just in terms of road use benefits and improved productivity, but improved opportunity for investment and employment.

“I think this is a very significant piece of work for wider regeneration to come.”