A long delayed road scheme at Lime Street is expected to finally be completed by the summer.
Having initially been slated for finalisation in the spring, Liverpool Council said the amended network will be delayed slightly further.
As a result, the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) that will allow buses to travel in both directions along the route, will not be implemented until final works are completed by an approved contractor.
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NMCN Ltd, the previous contractor, went into administration in October last year, leading Liverpool Council to formally terminate its contract.
As a result, an additional £1.5m is required for the scheme due to pre-Christmas safety works.
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.
Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, apologised for the continued delay during a meeting of the local authority cabinet earlier this month.
Cllr Barrington acknowledged 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.
The ETRO can be put in place for up to 18 months but will be reviewed within the first six months and council officials will 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.
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