Council ‘definitely’ still wants to build Western Link

Question marks continue to be raised over whether the bypass will be built.

The route is planned to connect the A56 Chester Road with the A57 Sankey Way in Great Sankey.

It had been estimated to cost around £212.7 million.

The Government has previously confirmed, in principle, it will put £142.5 million towards the controversial scheme, with the council planning to contribute £70.2 million.

But, as reported in October 2022, the council said the latest cost estimate it had supplied to the Department for Transport amounts to around £269 million – an increase of more than £56 million.

The council confirmed that it ‘definitely’ still wishes to build the road.

A spokesman said: “The scheme has a very strong strategic case for delivery and is predicted to reduce traffic and congestion in the town centre, improve public transport, cycling and walking on the routes where there is a reduction in traffic.

“It would also provide a much needed fixed high level bridge crossing of the Manchester Ship Canal to relieve pressure on the existing swing bridges and open up land for sustainable development in close proximity to the town centre.

“It is a vital scheme to support the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan which proposes a new Northern Powerhouse Rail high speed and high capacity rail route connecting Warrington with the rest of the north of England, Birmingham and London via a new Warrington Bank Quay Low Level station located next to the existing station.

“Due to inflationary pressures which are particularly severe and are having a major impact in increasing prices for all major highway infrastructure schemes, the cost of the Western Link scheme has increased from the original estimate of £212.7m up to £269m as of late 2022.

“These cost increases are an issue for all schemes across the country and we are in discussions with the Department for Transport regarding these and funding options. We intend to provide an update on progress in due course.

“As it stands we are unable to confirm revised dates for the delivery of the scheme, which has been delayed as a result of the issues above. An update will be provided once a revised programme has been confirmed.”

Warrington South Conservative MP Andy Carter has shared his views on the issue.

He said: “The roads infrastructure in Warrington South hasn’t kept pace with the scale of development and the further large scale house building in Labour’s local plan will simply add to congestion.

“Labour have failed to consider the need for additional crossings of the ship canal over many years and we end up relying on swing bridges, which are under the control of Peel Ports whose primary interests is the canal and its users, not the local residents.

“At the recent public inquiry held by the planning inspector I made the comment that I am deeply concerned about the funding agreement to support the development of the Western Link.

“The Government’s funding was contingent on the remaining contributions being made locally, not the other way round, and there doesn’t appear to be a plan to cover the shortfall. We shouldn’t be building more homes until the council confirm that all the funding they need to build the Western Link is in place.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats, says the Western Link is a ‘very controversial project with strong views for and against’.

He added: “Objectors fear it will damage Moore Nature Reserve, will make development at Port Warrington possible and will divert traffic past some homes. Some would prefer to see the money spent on introducing trams to Warrington.

“The business case for the road has passed Government scrutiny and won against roads across the country. That is why £142.5 million of investment in vital infrastructure for Warrington has been promised.

“The Western link would open the Mersey Riverside for housing, relieving pressure on green belt and it would reduce congestion and air pollution in the town centre.

“I think the Western link should be built. Not all my colleagues agree.”