Drivers have been asked to avoid Switch Island until the signal control box is repaired.
The control box was 'destroyed' after a vehicle hit it on Saturday (May 7) afternoon, turning most of the lights out and causing heavy queues to build at the busy junction. Emergency traffic control measures have since been put in place while contractors work to fix the problem.
Traffic news service Inrix initially said the problem would not be fixed until May 13 or May 14. However, Sefton Council told the ECHO it hopes new equipment will be ready for installation overnight and normal traffic flow will be restored by Tuesday, May 10.
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In the meantime, the council asks motorists who regularly use Switch Island to ensure they plan their journeys well in advance and avoid the area if possible. The main routes affected are the A59 towards Bootle, the M58 towards Bootle and the A5758 Brooms Cross Road towards Switch Island.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Due to the significant damage sustained to the signal control box we are unable to repair and refurbish the equipment and a new one is now having to be built.
“We are working with colleagues at National Highways and Siemens to resolve the situation as soon as possible and further safety assessments are being carried out today (Monday May 9th).
“We are hopeful that the new equipment will be installed by tomorrow morning (Tuesday May 10th), however we would ask motorists to avoid the area if at all possible in the meantime.
“If you do still need to travel through Switch Island, please plan your journeys in advance and be prepared for some delays to your journeys.”
