Work starts on a £4m project to upgrade the road that runs past Anfield Stadium’s world famous Kop stand. Tony McDonough reports
Contractors have started work on a £4m project to upgrade Walton Breck Road which runs alongside Anfield Stadium’s world famous Kop stand.
This work will be split into three phases. All work is due to be completed in spring 2027. Highways enhancements, new bus stops and pedestrian facilities, and modernised utility pipes are part of the scheme.
Liverpool City Council is ensuring each project overlaps or follows immediately after the other, to complete the work as one collaborative project, rather than multiple visits months apart. During this time temporary road and lane closures will be in effect.
Phase one – highways maintenance
Work has started on this phase and is due to be completed by Friday, May 29. It is being carried out by Dowhigh as part of their highways maintenance contract with the council.
This includes minor repairs including resurfacing of junctions leading to Walton Breck Road, repairing paths for pedestrians, and replacing drainage along the road.
Phase two – gas pipe replacements
On Tuesday, May 26, Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, will be in the area to start phase two of the works, which will last until August.
The work forms part of its 30-year programme to upgrade some of the oldest pipes in the North West, including approximately 21.5km in Liverpool this year.
Some of the pipes that sit under Walton Breck Road, Sleepers Hill and roads leading off these were first installed in 1873, making them older than both of Liverpool’s major football clubs and the construction of the Liver Building.
While the pipes are currently operating safely, Cadent has had to carry out repairs and maintenance on more than 70 occasions over the past two decades.
By upgrading the pipes this rate will fall, meaning temporary road closures and unplanned closures will be less likely to take place.
Phase three – road upgrades
Following the first two phases Eric Wright Civil Engineering, on behalf of the council, will start phase three in August.
This will see a number of upgrades along Walton Breck Road to improve safety and accessibility including resurfaced roads and footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings and enhanced bus stop facilities.
The final design has been created in partnership with the community through a series of consultation events. Residents’ views have influenced junction layouts and crossing points within the scheme.
Any closures and diversions during all three phases of work will be communicated with residents ahead of time and clearly signposted for people travelling through the area.
As the football season draws to a close Anfield will host a number of events throughout the summer months. During this time, works will be temporarily paused, and Walton Breck Road will be reopened to prevent any unnecessary congestion.
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Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: “We have been working closely with Dowhigh, Cadent, and Eric Wright to minimise the amount of disruption for people living and working in the area. Residents will be kept informed at every step of the works.
“The work that we are carrying out on Walton Breck Road is for the residents first and foremost. When complete, it will mean a safer, more reliable and more accessible route for everyone who uses it.”