Information event taking place for new M56 junction 11a
Drivers, business owners and residents will be able to find out more about two options for a new junction 11a on the M56 at an information event.
The event will be taking place on Tuesday 6 September 2016, 10am to 8pm at:
Runcorn Linnets Football Club,
Murdishaw Ave,
Runcorn,
WA7 6DL
Comments will help inform proposals for a consultation later in the year.
Plans are in development for the new junction to ease congestion, relieve pressure on junction 12 and improve connections to the Mersey Gateway. Outline designs are currently being developed for the two options.
The M56 is an important strategic route, linking North Wales to Manchester and the M6 as well as the Wirral, via the A55 and M53. It also provides links to Chester, Manchester Airport, south Warrington, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Project manager Sophie Diver said:
The government is investing heavily in additional capacity and connections to future-proof our network and to reflect the growth in the regional economy.
The M56 is an important strategic route for the North West. Drivers will benefit from the additional capacity and connectivity that a new junction will provide.
Option one – east option
This option would introduce a new junction to the east of the West Coast Main Line connecting to the A56 Chester Road to the south and the existing Murdishaw roundabout to the north.
Option two – west option
This option would introduce a new junction to the west of the West Coast Main Line connecting to a new roundabout at the south and the A533 Southern Expressway to the north.
We are carrying out a number of surveys in the area to gather information, which will help us to develop each improvement option.
Ecology surveys are taking place to identify if any protected species are present. This will help us to understand the environmental impacts.
We expect to announce a preferred route in Spring 2017. The construction is expected to begin by March 2020. More information on the scheme is available on Highways England’s webpage for the proposals.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.