M53 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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Looking north near Storeton
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| Route information | ||||
| Maintained by Highways England | ||||
| Length | 18.9 mi (30.4 km) | |||
| Existed | 1972–present | |||
| History | Opened: 1972 Completed: 1982 |
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| Major junctions | ||||
| North end | Bidston 53°24′41″N 3°04′49″W / 53.4114°N 3.0802°W |
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  J11 → M56 motorway |
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| South end | Hoole Village 53°12′52″N 2°51′24″W / 53.2144°N 2.8567°W |
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| Location | ||||
| Counties: | Merseyside, Cheshire | |||
| Primary destinations: |
Wallasey Birkenhead Ellesmere Port Chester |
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| Road network | ||||
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→The M53 motorway, also known as the Mid-Wirral Motorway, is a special type of road in North West England. It's designed for fast and smooth travel. This motorway connects the A55 road near Chester to the Kingsway Tunnel which goes under the River Mersey towards Liverpool.
The M53 is about 19 miles (30 kilometers) long. It helps people travel quickly between different towns and cities in the Wirral Peninsula and beyond.
What is a Motorway?
A motorway is a major road built for high-speed traffic. It has several lanes in each direction. Motorways usually have no traffic lights or roundabouts. This helps cars move without stopping.
Motorways are important for connecting big towns and cities. They make long journeys much faster and safer. In the UK, motorways are marked with a blue sign.
Where Does the M53 Go?
The M53 motorway runs through two main areas: Merseyside and Cheshire. It starts near Bidston in the north. This is close to the Kingsway Tunnel that leads to Liverpool.
As it goes south, the M53 passes by several important places. These include Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, and eventually ends near Hoole Village close to Chester. It helps link these areas together.
How Does the M53 Work?
Motorways use special exits and entrances called junctions. Instead of traffic lights, cars use these junctions to get on and off the motorway. Each junction has a number.
The M53 has several junctions along its route. For example:
- Junction 1 is near Bidston. It connects to roads leading to Wallasey and Birkenhead. It also links to the Kingsway Tunnel.
- Junction 3 connects to Birkenhead and Heswall.
- Junction 5 is important for reaching Queensferry and Eastham.
- Junction 11 is a big connection point. Here, the M53 meets the M56 motorway. The M56 can take you towards Manchester or Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
These junctions help drivers reach their destinations safely and efficiently. They are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Images for kids
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Looking northwards, midway between junctions 3 and 4 at Storeton
