Darkness on the edge of town for drivers

Southport’s Marine Way Bridge left in the dark

Drivers along Marine Way bridge ground to a halt for fear of crashing after most of its lights went out.

The light pillars are regularly targeted by vandals and youngsters who smash the bulbs at waist height.

Drivers reported this morning having to slow to less than 10 miles an hour because one of the lanes was reduced to total darkness.

One woman on her way to an early morning spin session said it was the worst its ever been.

The lights have been reported to the council.

OTS News has approached the relevant Sefton Council department but sadly they declined to comment.

Marine Way Bridge was opened to pedestrians at a formal naming ceremony on the 14th May 2004 and opened to traffic from the 17th May 2004.

The project which included demolition of the old Marine Parade bridge and environmental improvements has been funded from the Local Transport Plan, North West Development Agency and Sefton Council.

The main contractor was Balfour Beatty using a Jacobs design. The Architects used were Nicoll Russell Studios and the impressive lighting was designed by Jonathan Speirs and Assocs.

To mark the approach to the bridge, Sefton Special Projects commissioned a pair of Sculptural Elements which are sited on raised plinths either side of the road deck. ‘Exodus’ takes the form of a pair of waves parting to allow access across the bridge. The sculptures are fitted with interior lighting arrays to mark approach after dark.