The development of Lime Street and the surrounding road network will be the subject of a limited trial.
Proposed changes to the highway, which could include buses travelling in both directions, will be implemented under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order.
Liverpool Council’s Twitter account confirmed the move after scrutiny of the development of Lime Street was held behind closed doors.
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Members of the press and public were shut out from the end of the authority’s climate change and environment sub-committee as councillors were about to discuss proposed changes to the controversial development.
Committee chair Cllr Lena Simic told assembled members that the decision was being made to remove observers and press “as we are dealing with commercially sensitive information.”
Councillors discussed a review of the much-maligned scheme following the collapse of its main contractor and criticism of the original design which led to the resignation of a former cabinet member.
An experimental order is a legal document which imposes traffic and parking restrictions such as road closures, controlled parking and other parking regulations indicated by double or single yellow lines.
The Experimental Traffic Order can also be used to change the way existing restrictions function and can be in place for a maximum of 18 months.
Under the proposed amendments, buses could be given the green light to travel in both directions on Lime Street.
The alterations will also include 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.
The proposals require an additional £1.5m due to the pre-Christmas safety works which were necessary to be undertaken when the contractor went into administration.
Members of the sub-committee were due to record their views on the project and give their indications as to whether they endorsed further changes.
As previously reported, Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said he looked forward “to the discussion at select committee, where members will be able to hear and test the thinking behind these revisions.”
Those views currently remain unknown as a result of the exclusion of journalists from the meeting.
A draft report to the council’s cabinet, including among the meeting documents, has recommended the scheme be approved when the executive meets on Friday 4th February.
The agenda for the meeting stated that the committee’s will be reported to cabinet for consideration when determining any recommendation.
The Lime Street scheme, which also includes a widening of St George’s Plateau, is part of the Liverpool City Centre Connectivity (LCCC) programme and has already delivered upgrades to key roads such as The Strand, Dale Street and Victoria Street, and has created a dedicated new bus hub and coach park.
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