Proposal submitted to improve pedestrian access in Liverpool

Plans to redesign one of Liverpool’s major roads will be proposed to city councilors next week. 

Proposal submitted to improve pedestrian access in Liverpool

If the latest proposal is approved by Cllrs at next week’s Environment and Climate Change Committee meeting, buses could be given the green light to travel in both directions on Lime Street. 

The alteration will also include enhanced pedestrian crossings, improved cycle facilities, secure cycle parking, a bus stop outside the Lime Street Station, disabled parking facilities, and the introduction of a 20 mph zone. 

The select committee will meet to scrutinise the new proposals, which will require an additional £1.5m due to the pre-Christmas safety works which were necessary to be undertaken when the contractor went into administration.

After the select committee, the proposals will then go to the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Friday, 4 February for final approval.

If approval is granted, contractors will be engaged to complete the scheme. The resurfacing works, which will see the installation of a cycle lane, will then go out to tender. It is expected all works will be complete by summer.

A key focus for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is to improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport with the aim of improving road safety, congestion, and air quality levels in the city centre.

Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: ‘The Lime Street scheme has generated quite a few problems, not least the collapse of the original contractor and we apologise for the delays and disruption this has caused.

‘However, this gave us the opportunity to revisit the design of the scheme especially the biggest complaint we were receiving – the removal of access for buses at Brownlow Hill.

‘I’d like to thank the officers and the engineers for their hard work in this proposed redesign. It’s a good compromise and one which ensures the overall aims of improving the Lime Street experience, without hurting bus users on certain key routes.

‘I look forward to the discussion at select committee, where members will be able to hear and test the thinking behind these revisions. Once everything is agreed, and the works are finally completed one thing is for certain – Liverpool city centre will have a gateway it can be proud of.’