National Highways has commenced a major £50 million improvement scheme on the M53 motorway, leading to over four months of overnight closures for drivers in Wirral and Cheshire. The work, part of a three-year series of projects, began on July 8 and will continue until November 27.
Overnight closures and diversions
The closures affect the section between junction seven at Ellesmere Port and junction 10 at Little Stanney, from 9pm to 6am, Monday to Friday, with some weekend nights also potentially impacted. Only one direction will be closed at a time, starting with the southbound carriageway. Signed diversions will be in place for motorists.
Details of the improvement works
This phase includes £5.2 million for resurfacing and £455,000 for drainage improvements between junctions seven and ten. The broader M53 programme involves replacing four aging bridges. Amy Williams, National Highways’ director for the North West, stated: “Parts of the M53 were built almost 55 years ago at a time when traffic volumes and the weight of vehicles were considerably lower. 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.”
Government funding and context
The scheme is part of the Government’s £27 billion five-year Road Investment Strategy, which has allocated £8.4 billion for resurfacing carriageways and renewing bridges between 2026 and 2031. The M53, which runs from Wallasey to Chester, is undergoing these upgrades to ensure it remains fit for future traffic demands.
