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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Benjamin Roberts-Haslam

Man's 'no brainer' solution to preventing Switch Island crashes

A man claims to have found a solution for a junction in Merseyside that has seen a number of crashes recently.

Switch Island has become synonymous with car crashes in recent times, with residents voicing concerns with drivers and the interchange on social media regularly.

However, one person claims to have thought of a possible solution that would ease the amount of traffic approaching Switch Island and in turn hopefully reduce the number of collisions.

READ MORE: Kirkby train crash driver sent WhatsApp message seconds before station smash

Writing in a local Facebook group, he posted: "Anyone else think a filter lane from M58 to M57 is a no brainer?

"1. Reduce traffic sat at Switch.

"2. Reduce travel time as a large % of journeys appear to take this route

"3. Less pollution"

People were quick to agree, although some noticed flaws in his plan.

One person commented: "Excellent idea. It also amazes me why there is not one sign for Maghull, either coming off M57 or Dunningsbridge. It must confuse visitors to the area. Get Maghull on the map I say."

Another said it wouldn't be that simple due to the land next to the interchange most likely being privately owned: "Not a great idea if that's your land though, which is probably their livelihood."

Another person doesn't understand why there are collisions there in the first place: "Switch Island is sound, people just need to learn to drive and read!

"But this would only be worth doing if it was from the M57 exit onto M58 as the M58 leads straight to the M57 anyway

"But then again all you do is one right towards Maghull then you're ready to join the M58!

"How do people find Switch Island hard to drive through?

"They even added lane lights for the idiots!"

A spokesman for National Highways said: “We have no plans to provide a direct link between the M57 and M58. That said, we routinely review the operation of the strategic road network, which includes the M57, M58 and A5036 at Switch Island, to ensure it is running as safely and efficiently as possible.

"This has resulted in significant investment in the interchange in recent years including a £5 million improvement a couple of years ago. We’ve also supported the construction of extra slip roads at junction 1 of the M58 not far from the interchange.”

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