Work starts this week on the first phase of an £80m investment in Liverpool’s highways network.
The £1.4m scheme on the Walton corridor of the A59 is the first as part of the city’s commitment to drastically reduce the £256 million backlog in road repairs over the next eight years.
The works involve resurfacing the Walton Vale/Warbreck Moor stretch between Hornby Road and Park Lane and will take 16 weeks to complete, meaning lane restrictions and temporary lights during the day.
A second phase of work around the Hornby Road junction will take place in January 2015 and will be completed by mid-February.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “There has been a significant lack of investment in our road network for decades, largely due to a shortage of central government funding.
“I am constantly being told by people that the condition of our roads is something that they want tackling and so we are taking significant steps in putting that right.
“There are huge economic benefits of well-maintained, high-quality highways as they keep traffic flowing, keep vehicle running costs low, and by ensuring people and goods can move efficiently, make our city a more desirable place to live, work, visit and do business.
“This work will significantly reduce our highways maintenance backlog over the coming years, and as such, is an important component in the on-going regeneration and development of our city.”
The other major routes in poor condition to be tackled between now and next April as part of the initiative are:
• Islington and surrounding roads
• Smithdown Road (from Gainsborough Road to Queens Drive)
• Ullet Road (from Smithdown Road to Croxteth Gate)
Liverpool City Council is using capital resources such as borrowing and receipts from sale of assets to fund the work.
The city council will also seek to identify sources of additional private and other public sector funding, including utility companies, throughout the programme, to help finance the work.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Malcom Kennedy, said: “This is the start of a programme of work which is hugely important for Liverpool.
“Our highways network has been in desperate need of investment for many years and the commitment we have made will make a big difference to tens of thousands of motorists and cyclists who use them.
“This investment will be welcomed by motorists who have demanded that something is done to improve the condition of our roads. We have listened, and we are taking action.”
