WORK is due to start this week to improve accessibility to the Widnes Loops junction.

The junction provides access from the Mersey Gateway bridge to West Bank Widnes and the A557 Widnes Eastern Bypass.

Improvement work will centre around installing a signal-controlled junction to replace the current roundabout connecting Waterloo Road, Victoria Road and Hutchinson Street.

A permanent link to Widnes Loops Junction will also be constructed.

In order to carry out these works, the temporary link which currently provides access to Waterloo Road and Victoria Road will be closed from Wednesday.

Alternative routes and diversions will be signposted during the roadworks for access to and from Waterloo Road and Victoria Road.

These measures will also be in place to and from the Mersey Gateway bridge.

Access will remain open going to and from the Mersey Gateway bridge for the A557 Widnes Eastern Bypass towards the M62, Widnes town centre and The Hive.

This closure is expected to remain in place until the improvements are completed in spring 2020.

Halton Borough Council said: “The new permanent link will provide improved access from West Bank to the Mersey Gateway and the bypass.

“This will help maximise the regeneration, economic and transport benefits of the new bridge to the area.”