A cabinet member has apologised for prolonged delays after changes to the Lime Street improvement scheme were approved.
Cllr Dan Barrington acknowledged that the extended wait for amendments to the road network as part of the Liverpool City Centre Connectivity (LCCC) programme had been “very frustrating” for residents and offered his apologies during Liverpool Council’s cabinet meeting this morning.
A further £1.5m is required for the scheme due to pre-Christmas safety works required following the main contractor entering administration in October last year.
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The authority’s executive signed off on proposals for an Experimenal Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to be put in place for up to 18 months as part of changes to the original scheme at Lime Street.
Buses will now be able to travel in both directions past St George’s Hall with further alterations including enhanced pedestrian crossings, improved cycle facilities, secure cycle parking, a bus stop outside Lime Street station, disabled parking facilities and the introduction of a 20 mph zone together with access-only restrictions on Lime Street, between Queens Square Bus Station and London Road.
Addressing cabinet colleagues, Cllr Barrington, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “The Lime Street scheme has been controversial, redesigning space is never an easy task and driving culture change away from cars is an even more difficult task for us.
“The collapse of the contractors was a huge blow and I want to apologise for the further delays this has caused.
“I know it’s been a very frustrating time for people coming into the city centre and particularly for businesses.”
He added that the ETRO would give the opportunity for stakeholders to see the scheme in action and said public transport would be key to Liverpool’s ambitions to become a net zero city.
As part of the ETRO, Liverpool Council will review the scheme within the first six months and make a decision whether to implement the changes permanently or revoke.
Despite the requirement for further investment, cost saving measures have been made through the amended scheme, including the refurbishment of the Steble fountain instead of the installation of a new water feature near St George’s Hall.
Mayor Joanne Anderson acknowledged the scheme had been “very controversial” and said the collapse of the main contractor had given councillors the chance to listen to residents and make changes but was now “really pleased” with the amended plans.
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