Work on phase two of the Liverpool City Centre Connectivity Scheme is set to begin this summer and will see two new roads created off Waterloo Road and Regent Road by 2021. Tony McDonough reports
A public information event is being held this week as part of a three-week consultation on a £20m project to create two new roads close to Liverpool city centre.
Work on phase two of the Liverpool City Centre Connectivity Scheme is set to begin this summer and will see two new roads created off Waterloo Road and Regent Road by 2021.
The new roads will address the current and anticipated future traffic congestion in the area – with a planned new Cruise Terminal to go live after the scheme is completed – and will also improve access to the city’s World Heritage waterfront, including the new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal.
It will also improve access to the area ahead of Everton FC’s planned new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock which is due to complete in 2022.
Crowne Plaza
On June 6, the council began a three-week consultation into the scheme and on Wednesday, June 13, it will hold a public information event in the Salisbury Room at the city’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, next to the Pier Head.
People will be able to view the plans for the roads and speak with council officers and consulting engineers. Residents and businesses directly affected by the works have also been sent a special questionnaire about the project.
The project, which complements the £32m upgrade to Leeds Street, the A565 (Great Howard Street) and Regent Road, has been split into two new ‘link’ roads.
The South Link Road, which is currently going through the planning process, will become a key route from Leeds Street to the new developments along the dock front, while the North Link Road, which already has planning approval, will provide access to new developments on West Waterloo Dock.
There will be a 20mph speed restriction on the North Link Road along with other traffic calming measures, to prevent vehicles speeding.
Short journeys
Work on Phase One of the City Centre Connectivity Plan is also expected to begin this summer. This project is split into eight developments all aimed at encouraging more people to choose walking and cycling for short journeys.
Cllr James Noakes, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “These are exciting plans that will prepare the city for future growth, increased visitor numbers and a move towards improved travel options for people.
“Liverpool’s popularity as a destination for people to work, visit and enjoy is ever-increasing and we have to make sure that our infrastructure can cope with future demand.”
For more information about the Liverpool City Centre Connectivity Scheme and other projects in the Better Roads programme, visit www.liverpool.gov.uk/betterroads