A NEW bridge is set to open next week as work to replace two crossings over the docks between Birkenhead and Wallasey continues.

There has been no through traffic along Tower Road in Birkenhead since the end of March as 'C' Bridge was replaced by a brand new structure.

Tower Road has been closed between Wirral Met College and the Twelve Quays roundabout, with access to the ferry terminal at Twelve Quays possible only from the Wallasey side.

That phase of work is due to end a week next Friday, June 30, and Tower Road will reopen from the Birkenhead end up to Twelve Quays for access to the ferry terminal.

But it will remain closed from the Wallasey side at Dock Road roundabout to allow works to continue on replacing the iconic 'A' Bridge.

Through traffic will continue to be diverted down Dock Road, across the Duke Street bridge and via Cleveland Street.

Cllr Stuart Whittingham, Wirral's cabinet member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: "Replacing the two bridges at the same time is a massive, but exciting, undertaking and represents a significant investment in Wirral’s transport infrastructure.

"When completed, the two new bridges will bring long-lasting benefits to the local area, residents and the economy.

"We know that Tower Road being closed brings disruption and inconvenience to the travelling public but it looks like they showing the kind of patience that they always do in these circumstances and can see the bigger, longer-term picture."

Pedestrians and cyclists will continue to have access along Tower Road while the replacement works take place via either temporary or diverted paths.

However, after August 14 when the old 'A' Bridge is scheduled to be removed, they will instead have to use a shuttle bus – which will have a trailer for bicycles if cyclists don't want to ride along the diversion route.

There will be no disabled access on this shuttle bus service.

The old 'A' Bridge is set to be lifted out of position between August 14 and 18 and replaced by a new one that will be floated in by pontoon between November 22-28.

The new 'A' Bridge will re-open to all traffic, pedestrians and cyclists in January

Cllr Whittingham continued: "The benefits of replacing the bridges and the improvements it will bring to the road network will help us to grow and develop the local economy, particularly around the Twelve Quays area and Wirral Waters.

"Their replacement at this time is essential.

"They have many outdated features and have required frequent and costly maintenance over recent years causing significant disruption to drivers, with the route regularly having to be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.

"If we had allowed the deterioration of the bridges to continue, the route would very soon have become totally inaccessible for HGVs."