Commuters have been dealing with heavier traffic despite it being school half-term this week, as construction work has started on a major route in the city.
Improvement works along Prescot Road have begun and will run from Low Hill, near the Royal Liverpool Hospital, to Newton Road by Newsham Park.
The first phase will start between Shiel Road and Laurel Road and is set to run until the autumn.
The £3.5m scheme will consist of replacing the existing road surface, which has deteriorated over the years causing potholes and tough driving conditions, and upgrading highway drainage, pedestrian facilities, footways and traffic signals. This is all in an effort to improve the safety of commuters on busy roads.
The work forms part of Liverpool City Council’s highway investment programme – Better Roads – in conjunction with the authority’s commitment “to deliver a strong and growing city” and provide a “connected and accessible city with quality infrastructure”, as set out in the Inclusive Growth Plan.
A council spokesman said: “Over the next few years we’re spending £500m on Liverpool’s roads to make our city a better place to live, work and visit. We’re improving key routes that are in poor condition and carry large volumes of traffic. Unfortunately, there will be short-term disruption but we’ll do everything we can to keep things moving.”
The huge overhaul will cause lane closures, diversionary routes, night working, temporary traffic lights and off-peak working. This could cause major congestion during peak hours along Prescot Road, which will be a cause of concern for many.
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However, the council has stated that these planned closures will be limited to overnight only, unless there are unforeseen circumstances or an emergency situation arises.
Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “The A57 is a major part of our key routes network improvement programme.
“Improving Liverpool’s roads is vitally important to the city and its people in many different ways, such as better traffic flow in heavily populated areas.
“Economic growth is my main aim for the city and improving our worn-down roads will lead to less congestion, which will be beneficial not only to locals but visitors alike.”
Diversion routes will be in place and motorists are advise that delays will be likely and to explore alternative journeys for those travelling to and from the Islington, Fairfield, Kensington and Old Swan areas.