The project

The project proposes a bridge crossing across the River Mersey from Chester Road, just north of Gainsborough Road. This proposed crossing would join onto an extended Slutchers Lane leading from Wilson Patten Street. A new signal controlled junction is to be constructed at each end of the new link on Chester Road and Wilson Patten Street.

Funding

The cost for the project is currently £19.89 million. Contributors include:

  • Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise partnership - £5.3 million via the Local Growth Fund. View the business case submitted to the Local Enterprise Partnership and associated documents.
  • Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government - £3.7 million via the Housing Infrastructure Fund. 
  • The remainder will be funded via council borrowing
Impact of centre park link

The Centre Park link opened to traffic in March 2021. There was much less traffic on the roads at this time due to COVID restrictions, with traffic levels around 75% of "normal". For the first couple of months, Centre Park link carried around 10,000 vehicles per weekday compared with around 12,000 currently.

Image
The image shows traffic flows on Centre Park link, between April 2021 and April 2023. Traffic flows started at around 7000 vehicle per day and are now just over 12000 vehicles per day

Slutchers lane traffic

The image shows traffic flows on Centre Park link, between April 2021 and April 2023. Traffic flows started at around 7,000 vehicles per day and are now just over 12,000 vehicles per day.

How has Centre Park link affected local roads?

Since Centre Park link opened we have been monitoring traffic flows to determine how it has affected the local network.

As expected, the greatest impact has been seen on Wilson Patten Street and Chester Road.

  • Wilson Patten Street was carrying around 27,000 vehicles per day in 2015. This has been reduced to less than 20,000 vehicles, a drop of almost a third
  • Similarly, Chester Road currently carries less than 15,000 vehicles per day, a substantial drop from the 21,000 vehicles per day before Centre Park link opened

A clear transfer of vehicles has occurred from Wilson Patten Street and Chester Road onto Centre Park link reducing congestion at Brian Bevan roundabout and Bridgefoot gyratory.

Image
The image shows traffic flow changes on roads affected by the opening of Centre Park link. The largest changes are 30% reduction on both Chester Road (north of Centre Park Link) and Wilson Patten Street, with traffic diverting onto Centre Park Link

A plan showing how traffic flows have changed pre and post Centre Park link

The image shows traffic flow changes on roads affected by the opening of Centre Park link. The largest changes are 30% reduction on both Chester Road (north of Centre Park link) and Wilson Patten Street, with traffic diverting onto Centre Park link.

 

Gainsborough Road traffic calming consultation - January 2020

A public consultation has been undertaken regarding the timing of the proposed traffic calming measures along Gainsborough Road.

A public consultation took place between June and July 2023 to obtain residents feedback on whether traffic calming chicanes or other transport measures were preferred along Gainsborough Road.

Following consideration of the consultation results, traffic calming chicanes are not proposed to be implemented due to lack of majority support. However, the following actions are proposed:

  • The potential for pedestrian crossing points along Gainsborough Road will be investigated
  • The council will continue to liaise with Cheshire Road Safety Partnership regarding speeding concerns
  • A study will be undertaken to review the operation of traffic signals at the Gainsborough Road/Chester Road junction following the settling of traffic flows post Covid
  • Further consultation will be undertaken with residents on the findings of the above later in 2024

Get in touch