Improvement works will be carried out on a towns busy roads as works on 1,300 homes continue.
Work on hundreds of new homes in Halewood has already started as part of Knowsley Council's ' masterplan ' - with Redrow, Bellway and Miller delivering the East of Halewood development. However as work begins on the hundreds of new homes, residents have expressed their concerns over the pressures already being felt in the town.
The ECHO previously reported how residents branded roads as a "disgrace" as temporary lights and dirty streets cause "chaos". Roads were compared to "dirt tracks" as Knowsley Council confirmed regular checks are undertaken to ensure roads are clear and traffic signals are working correctly.
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However, with traffic measures remaining in place for some time, concerns have been raised over the level of congestion in Halewood. One Halewood motorist said it can take "ages" to get to work if there is congestion. They told the ECHO: "If there's a crash in or around Halewood, the roads are gridlocked.
"It happened the other day, people trying to drive through here to avoid a crash on the expressway, it took ages to make a ten-minute trip."
Knowsley Council has since confirmed that work is "progressing well" on highways infrastructure improvements that will "that will improve road safety and ease congestion in Halewood". House builders Miller, Bellway and Redrow have committed up to £4.4million in Section 106 funding to improve the highways which is being invested to improve Halewood roads.
The improvement works will benefit pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists and other road users. The following highway improvements are planned for the next two years includes:
New traffic signals at the Baileys Lane and Finch Lane/Higher Road junction:
This will include a segregated cycle facility, traffic signals with pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at the junction of Higher Road and Baileys Lane and Higher Road and Finch Lane and general infrastructure upgrades such as a new footway, grassed verges and street lighting. Works are expected to commence on site in spring/summer 2023.
Improvement of traffic flow at the Baileys Lane/Church Road/Lower Road/ Greensbridge Lane junction:
Designs are currently being worked up to improve this junction, which will include traffic signals with pedestrian crossing facilities. Works likely in 2024.
Traffic calming at Greensbridge Lane
Works will include the implementation of traffic calming and a reduction in speed limit within the Tarbock Green section of Greensbridge Lane. Construction likely in Spring 2023.
Finch Lane one-way
Works will include a segregated cycle facility and implementation of a one-way order, signage and traffic islands. Construction is expected in 2023.
Realigning Baileys Lane to improve visibility and improve road safety
Works are progressing on site and scheduled for completion in spring 2023.
Old Hutte Lane/Higher Road
Works will include the implementation of pedestrian facilities to the existing signalised a junction. Construction is anticipated to commence in Spring 2023.
In addition to the £4.4m highways improvements, a further £8.6m of Section 106 contributions from developers will be used to invest in new primary school places, outdoor sports provision, early years childcare facilities and subsiding bus services. Work will also be completed on Finch Woods as well as improvements to healthcare facilities and employment opportunities.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "The East of Halewood development will help attract new residents into the area and also encourage existing residents to remain in Halewood by providing new, high quality family homes.
"We are committed to investing in the infrastructure and local services to support this new development – something we know from our Knowsley Offer consultation is a key concern, but we have built in improvements works to support the local infrastructure as part of our plans. We will continue to work closely with the developers and other partners to ensure disruption to residents and road users is kept to a minimum while these improvements are carried out. Ultimately, it will improve traffic flow and safety in the area."
