MOTORISTS have been warned to expect short-term disruption as work on a highways scheme to cut congestion around Omega begins.

Phase 3b of the Omega local highways project is now under way – it aims to provide a series of junction improvements at the Whittle Avenue/Lingley Green Avenue roundabout.

The scheme forms part of a wider series of highway initiatives along this corridor to provide additional highway capacity and enhance network resilience, along with improvements to cycling and pedestrian facilities.

The council says it will also support more than 12,000 new jobs at Omega, as well as supporting 7,000 existing jobs on Omega and Lingley Mere employment sites.

This phase of the work – which will be completed in July – will see a range of improvements being made, including the renewal of the toucan crossing on Whittle Avenue, with a new toucan crossing to be installed on Lingley Avenue.

A new shared footway from Stanhoe Drive to link with Sophia Drive will also be installed, together with general upgrades to footways and cycleways.

An extra lane will be introduced on each approach to the roundabout, incorporating carriageway resurfacing works.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said: “The Omega local highways project is an important part of our work to improve our highways network and stimulate ongoing development and investment in our key employment areas.

“It’s fantastic to see the project progressing so well.”

Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways, transportation and public realm, added: “These improvements will make a huge difference to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, reducing congestion, improving safety and journey times and supporting businesses.

“As with all major highways improvement works, there will be some short-term disruption, but we are carefully phasing the work, to minimise this as much as possible.

“We thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience while these improvements are carried out.”

The project is one part of a wider programme of transport improvements across Warrington.

The council says it will have delivered over £100 million worth of transport improvement schemes in the last five years.

The Omega scheme is being split into four phases:

-Whittle Avenue northbound on the approach to the roundabout, with a 24/7 northbound closure on Whittle Avenue between Boston Boulevard/Kingsdale Road roundabout and Lingley Green Avenue for approximately 5 – 7 weeks. The surfacing element of the scheme will see a full road closure for traffic between 9.30am – 3.30pm, with associated diversion routes in place for approximately one week.

-Whittle Avenue southbound on the approach to the roundabout, with a 24/7 southbound closure on Whittle Avenue between Burtonwood Road roundabout and Malvern Close for approximately 5 – 7 weeks. The surfacing element of the scheme will see a full road closure for northbound traffic between 9.30am – 3.30pm, with associated diversion routes in place for approximately one week.

-Lingley Green Avenue eastbound on the approach to the roundabout, with a 24/7 eastbound closure on Lingley Green Avenue between Sophia Drive roundabout and Whittle Avenue for approximately 7 – 8 weeks. The surfacing element of the scheme will see a full road closure for traffic between 9.30am – 3.30pm with associated diversion routes in place for approximately one week.

-Resurfacing works on the roundabout where there will be multi-way traffic signals in operation for approximately one week. Malvern Close will remain open at all times.