ONE of the busiest routes across the docks between Wallasey and Birkenhead will close next week for the rest of the year as work on a multi-million pound upgrade gets underway.

Two of the old “Four Bridges” along Tower Road are being replaced - and there will be no through-traffic allowed along the road until the end of 2017.

Council highways chief Cllr Stuart Whittingham said: “This is an exciting project and a significant investment in Wirral’s transport infrastructure which will bring long-lasting benefits to the local area, residents and economy.

“Of course we know that replacing the bridges will mean more disruption to the travelling public between March and December as the works take place and there will be no through route along Tower Road.

"But I believe residents will show the patience that they always do in these circumstances and see the bigger, long-term picture.

“We have been liaising closely with Merseytravel and with bus operators to ensure appropriate and sufficient public transport provision is maintained.”

The ”A” bridge being replaced with a new lifting bridge. The “C” bridge – the one closest to the new Wirral Met College and the Contact Company - is being replaced with a modern concrete slab structure.

Councillor Whittingham added: “Their replacement at this time essential.

“The current bridges have many outdated features and if the rate of deterioration had been allowed to continue the route would very soon have become unsuitable for HGVs.

“They have been requiring frequent and costly maintenance over recent years causing significant disruption to drivers, with the route regularly having to be closed, often with very little notice, for emergency or essential maintenance."

The work will be funded largely from a successful bid for more than £6m from the Department for Transport.

Key dates:

  • March 28 – June 22

‘C’ Bridge replacement: A554 Tower Road closed, access to Stena Line ferry terminal from the north only.

  • June 23 – December 22

‘A’ Bridge replacement: A554 Tower Road fully closed, access to Stena Line ferry terminal from the south only.

Details of all Wirral roadworks can be found at roadworks.org.

For help with journey planning on public transport visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk or call 0151 236 7676.