THE construction of a £19.89 million river crossing will continue despite the coronavirus pandemic – but there is uncertainty over its completion date.

Warrington Borough Council’s Centre Park link road project will deliver a new bridge across the River Mersey from Chester Road, just north of Gainsborough Road, which will join onto an extended Slutchers Lane leading from Wilson Patten Street.

The major highways scheme aims to ease congestion for motorists.

Balfour Beatty, the main contractor, has judged that it is able to remain operational at the site but will only be carrying out activities where they are able to appropriately implement the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) on March 24.

The road was planned to open to traffic by the end of the year.

However, in relation to whether that will be delayed, a council spokesman said: “The Covid-19 outbreak means we are unable to confirm the timescales at this time while we are facing this crisis.

“We are following Government guidelines and keeping an eye on the situation along with our partners.”

But Balfour Beatty has been accused of ‘completely ignoring’ social distancing guidance.

A man who had recently been carrying out work at the site, but has now left his role, said external people, clients and contractors continued to make their way to the ‘already crowded’ construction site towards the end of last month despite the guidance.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said: “They have treated the whole situation as a joke and have not been complying with (social) distancing at all.

“I did not feel I could continue to work there safely and so have now left, leaving our household with no income for the time being.

“I feel, as such a large company, they have a duty of care and should be leading by example.”

But Balfour Beatty insists the health, safety and wellbeing of all those who work with and for the company, as well as the general public, is always its priority.

A spokesman added: “In line with current guidance on Covid-19 from the UK Government, our sites and contracts will remain operational where we are able to appropriately implement the SOP issued on March 24 by the CLC, and endorsed by Public Health England, to ensure the continued health, safety and wellbeing of all those who work with and for us.”

Conservative Warrington South MP Andy Carter says it is critical for contractors to follow Public Health England guidance around social distancing – and urged firms to stop work if they don’t feel that can be done ‘in a safe way’.

“There is a balance to be had,” said Mr Carter.

“The Government has not said it wants to stop all economic activity and that is where you have to follow the guidelines.”