Journeys on the Liverpool’s transport network would become smoother and safer, under a new multi-million-pound investment package set to be discussed by local leaders this week.
In a move to improve the region’s roads, the Combined Authority is seeking to approve the £232.96m from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), for a Highways Maintenance and Non-Maintenance package, with Liverpool earmarked to receive £50.55m to deliver local schemes.
Focussing on key corridors, the proposed package represents a co-ordinated series of measures all designed to support public transport services, relieve congestion, and improve air quality for local communities.
The measures include carriageway resurfacing to improve the condition of the roads, drainage works to help prevent flooding, new streetlights.
Bus users, cyclists and pedestrians would also benefit as plans include upgrades to bus shelters, improved footways and cycleways, plus new pedestrian crossing schemes.
The proposals form part of Mayor Rotheram’s plans for an integrated London-style transport network that makes the region’s network easier to use, cheaper, quicker, and more reliable.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “Our region’s success is dependent on our people, and goods, being able to move quickly, safely, and efficiently.
“By investing in electric charging points and improved, future-proof infrastructure on the roads and transport network, we can ensure that our economy continues to accelerate forward as we rebuild from the pandemic.
“By choosing to travel on the bus or train, or even walking or cycling, we can significantly reduce traffic congestion on our roads – which will be vital for our region to hit our goal of being net zero carbon by 2040 at the latest.”
Subject to approval, Liverpool City Council will be using £8m of this funding in the next 12 months, with more information about future schemes to be published at a later date.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“This funding will be a great boost to our annual maintenance programme to ensure Liverpool’s roads are safe and clean.
“We’ve identified a wide package of works for the coming 12 months be it resurfacing, traffic signal upgrades, replacement of kerbs and paths, drainage and lighting, as well as introducing 20mph zones at certain parts of the city, and work will begin very shortly on all of these elements.
“This funding also allows us to plan for and deliver more active travel options in and around our neighbourhoods. We’ve outlined a programme for more cycle lane infrastructure as well as enhancing the pedestrianisation around Castle Street in the city centre.
“Providing more opportunities to cycle and walk in the city is a major priority, we want to make Liverpool a healthier place to live and work in – from how we keep our bodies fit to the air that we breathe. We’ve a long way to go to truly rebalance how people move around the city, and how often, but changes are taking place and we won’t be taking our foot off the pedal now that we’ve started.”
The Combined Authority is due to consider this transport funding proposal at its meeting on Friday 4 March.
