CONGESTION woes have eased following the official completion of a £5.23 million project in Birchwood.

The council and its partners – Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, Birchwood Park and Balfour Beatty – have been celebrating this week after work on the 'pinch-point' scheme came to an end.

It has already reduced 'high levels' of congestion at peak times and improved journey times along the A574 corridor.

Safety has been enhanced for users, including pedestrians and cyclists, while bus journey times, to and from Birchwood, have had a boost.

Cllr Hans Mundry, executive board member for highways, transportation and public realm, described the project as a 'very good example' of how key improvements to the transport network 'can make a big difference'.

He said: "For a relatively small amount of money – just £5 million – we have eradicated peak hour queuing on both the 'dog bone' and Moss Gate junctions on Birchwood Way, created a brand new bus-only link between north and south Warrington and improved travel safety for all users of the junctions.

"And it doesn't end there, our transport planners are continuously working on ways of improving the transport network for the benefit of all."

Jonathan Walsh, director at Birchwood Park, confirmed there has been a range of positive responses from commuters.

He said: "We're already receiving excellent feedback from occupiers and visitors about the completed Birchwood pinch-point improvements and we're appreciative of the council's efforts with this project, as they supported our initial requests and have since co-operated with us throughout each stage of the roadworks.

"An integral part of Birchwood Park's appeal is its connectivity and its convenience for the staff that work here.

"By working with us to secure funding and develop this key junction, the council has made a significant difference to the businesses based here."

Paul Weaver, managing director of Balfour Beatty's west delivery unit, added: "The A574 Birchwood pinch-point project has been particularly successful.

“Through close collaboration with the council, Mott MacDonald and a supply chain, the project was delivered on budget and on programme.

"The project is particularly important to us as it is our first contract under the Scape National Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework, with 86 per cent of the work delivered by local small and medium-sized enterprises and enabling the council to meet some very challenging timescales."

For further information visit warrington.gov.uk