Highways England (HE) is to carry out two major road upgrades worth a combined £300m on the route to the port of Liverpool to minimise traffic congestion and improve journey times of motorists in Merseyside and Cheshire. 

HE plans to build a new £60m junction 11a on the M56 near Runcorn, which is expected to support region’s economy by creating a new road connecting the Mersey Gateway bridge between Runcorn and Widnes. 

The project works will see the creation of a new three-mile dual carriageway between the motorway network and port, taking freight away from residential areas on the congested A5036 road.

Highways England North West regional delivery director Tim Gamon said: “Both these major road schemes will help to bring significant economic benefits to the north-west and we’re now at the stage where we can set out our preferred options for the projects.

“The new bypass will take the existing traffic away from the A5036, as well as managing the significant increase in vehicle numbers that are anticipated with the port’s growth.

“We’re also committed to making improvements to the existing A5036 as part of the scheme that will benefit people who live and work in the area.”

"The new bypass will take the existing traffic away from the A5036, as well as managing the significant increase in vehicle numbers that are anticipated with the port’s growth."

The new £250m dual carriageway bypass will pass through the Rimrose Valley and connect with the Princess Way to Broom’s Cross Road.

The UK’s transport authority will also build a new roundabout controlled by traffic lights at the junction connecting Broom’s Cross Road, Brickwall Lane, and the new bypass.

HE will upgrade Broom’s Cross Road to a dual carriageway from the new roundabout to Switch Island, where the A5036 connects with the M57 and M58. 

Construction works are expected to begin in 2020. Funding will be provided as part of the government’s £15bn road investment strategy. 

Image: M56, junction 11a. Photo: © Crown copyright.