£50m M53 Upgrade Programme to Begin Next Week as National Highways Launches Major Renewal Scheme

A major £50 million programme of upgrades and bridge replacements on the M53 is set to begin next week as National Highways starts work on a three-year improvement project across the motorway.

The extensive scheme will cover a 19-mile stretch of the M53 between Chester and Wallasey, with four bridges due to be replaced alongside resurfacing works, drainage improvements and structural repairs aimed at modernising ageing infrastructure dating back to the early 1970s.

Galliford Try has been appointed as the main contractor for the first phase of the programme, which forms part of the Government’s wider £27 billion Road Investment Strategy.

National Highways said the works are designed to improve long-term reliability and safety on one of the region’s key transport routes.

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Five Key Sections Targeted

The improvement programme will focus on five major sections of the motorway network:

• Eastham Viaduct

• Junction 7 to Junction 10

• Upton Road Bridge

• Raby Hall Road Bridge

• Clatterbridge Interchange

Work will begin on the Eastham Viaduct between Junctions 4 and 5, where £3 million of maintenance activity is planned. This phase will include the replacement of expansion joints along the structure to improve durability and ride quality.

Further resurfacing and drainage works between Junctions 7 and 10 — covering the Ellesmere Port and Little Stanney section of the motorway — are expected to begin in July. National Highways has allocated £5.2 million for resurfacing improvements and a further £455,000 for drainage upgrades in this area.

Multiple Bridge Replacements Planned

As part of the wider project, several ageing bridge structures crossing the motorway will also be fully replaced.

Upton Road Bridge, which carries the A5027 over the M53 between Junctions 2 and 3, will undergo a complete deck replacement. Construction is expected to begin during the summer, with completion currently scheduled for winter 2027.

Raby Hall Road Bridge, located between Junctions 4 and 5, will also be replaced as part of the investment programme.

Meanwhile, the final bridge replacement works will take place at Clatterbridge Interchange at Junction 4.

Efforts to Reduce Disruption

National Highways said traffic management measures will be carefully planned to minimise disruption for motorists wherever possible.

The agency intends to carry out overnight lane closures during much of the project, while limiting weekend closures to key demolition and bridge installation phases only.

Amy Williams, National Highways Director for the North West, said the works are essential to maintaining the long-term resilience of the route.

“Parts of the M53 were built almost 55 years ago at a time when traffic volumes and the weight of vehicles was considerably lower,” she said.

“This £50 million maintenance, renewals and repairs package — including the new bridge decks — will help secure safe, smooth and reliable journeys for businesses, commuters, residents and other motorway users for many years to come.”

The M53 upgrade programme is one of a number of major infrastructure renewal schemes currently being delivered across the strategic road network as National Highways continues to address the challenges of maintaining ageing motorway infrastructure while accommodating increasing traffic demand.