A series of road closures are taking place in the Lime Street area as a long-running revamp of the iconic city gateway enters its final phase.
The troubled project to regenerate the area outside Lime Street Station and St George's Hall - which aims to create more space for cycling and walking - has hit a number of problems. The biggest issue came last year when the council's main contractor on the job, NMCN, went into administration.
The redesign project will see Lime Street reduced to a single carriageway in each direction and will include a new cycle lane, bike shelter, an expanded plateau and new crossings for St George's Hall, a new bus link, 33 new trees and new seating. It is hoped the improvements will make life easier for the huge numbers of people who use the famous train station and the attractions in the surrounding area.
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After the collapse of the contractor last year, the council decided to redesign the original scheme in order to re-establish a bus link to Elliot Street and remove plans for a water feature. Huyton Civils were appointed to complete the scheme earlier this year and it is now hoped all work can be completed by the end of July.
The final phase will mainly consist of a road resurfacing programme, with works getting underway this weekend. The first full closure was in place from St John's Lane to London Road between Saturday and this morning.
The remaining closures will be as follows:
- Monday, 4 July – 8am to Friday, 8 July, 8pm – Lime Street – full closure for inbound traffic via London Rd. (Diversions via Norton Street and Hunter Street).
- Saturday 9 July – Midnight to Monday, 11 July, 6am – St John’s Lane to Norton Street – full closure in both directions.
- Monday, 11 July – 8pm to Saturday, 16 July, 6am – Skelhorne Street to Renshaw Street – full closure.
- Friday, 15 July – 8pm to Saturday, 23 July, 6am – St John’s Lane to Norton Street – full closure in both directions.
Councillor Dan Barrington Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said: “The redesign of Lime Street has unfortunately not been a smooth journey and we can only apologise for the inconvenience the setbacks it has caused.
“I’m sure everyone will be pleased that the end of this scheme is now in sight. The resurfacing phase of any highways scheme always causes disruption but a huge amount of work is going on behind the scenes to minimise the impact and to speed it up where possible. Since the new contractor started in January we’ve all been able to see the progress that’s been made and the quality of the work is exceptional.
“I’m sure once it’s all complete Lime Street will be exactly what it should be – a gateway deserving of its historic surroundings, fit for the 21st century and a place we can all take pride in.”
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