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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: