Second phase of Sefton’s Maritime Corridor scheme gets underway next week, making it easier and safer for businesses in the area to access the Port of Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports
Work on the second phase of Sefton’s Maritime Corridor scheme is expected to begin next week, delivering a 12-month programme of transport improvements designed to strengthen access to local businesses and industrial sites.
Phase one of the scheme completed in March, delivering improved active travel routes on Dunnings Bridge Road and Netherton Way.
The next phase will see the upgrade 1.2km of Bridle Road and 2.4km of footpaths, including improvements at the Bridle Way, Farriers Way and Vesty Road junctions. Signal-controlled crossings and enhanced walking and cycling routes will also be introduced.
A new pedestrian and cycle link between Vesty Road and Deltic Way will improve access to the industrial estate and provide better connections with Aintree railway station.
The investment is intended to make employment sites easier to reach by public transport, on foot, by wheelchair and by bicycle, while supporting more sustainable journeys across the entire area.
Cllr Phil Hart, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways said: “A journey like Aintree Station to Bootle FC or Atlantic Park will be halved in distance, such as a 15-minute walk from the station becomes closer to 7 minutes.
“These improvements are about these short journeys becoming nicer and easier to do without a car and encourage people to make the switch. It doesn’t have to be the entire journey either, as we are connecting active travel improvements to public transport.
“Atlantic Park brings plenty of businesses and employment opportunities as well and we are making it more accessible to access for those who don’t drive, which will see benefits for the businesses and those working there.
READ MORE: Window maker’s social housing revenues top £4m
READ MORE: EET Retail deal strengthens Stanlow’s strategic position
“This phase of the scheme links in with the first phase on Netherton Way and Dunnings Bridge Road, creating a more joined up cycling infrastructure, helping encourage those less confident on their bike with the improved routes.”
During construction, Bridle Road will temporarily operate one-way from Netherton Way towards Park Lane. Traffic will not be able to enter Bridle Road from Park Lane in the direction of Netherton Way.
Sections of Bridle Road will return to two-way operation when work has progressed sufficiently and it is safe and practical to reopen them. The council is also coordinating with utility companies to carry out early works collaboratively and minimise disruption to businesses, employees and other road users.