A series of works is due to begin on Walton Breck Road this week, as part of wider plans to improve the area for local residents.
The work will be split into three phases with the first starting on Monday 18 May. All work is due to be completed in spring 2027.
Highways enhancements, new bus stops and pedestrian facilities, and modernised utility pipes are part of this multi-million pound investment in this area of the city.
Liverpool City Council is ensuring each project overlaps or follows immediately after the other, to complete the work as one collaborative project, rather than multiple visits months apart.
During this time temporary road and lane closures will be in effect.
Phase one – highways maintenance
Phase one will begin on Monday 18 May and is due to be completed by Friday 29 May.
Works during this phase will be carried out by Dowhigh as part of their highways maintenance contract with Liverpool City Council.
It includes minor repairs including resurfacing of junctions leading to Walton Breck Road, repairing paths for pedestrians, and replacing drainage along the road.
Phase two – gas pipe replacements
On Tuesday 26 May, Cadent, which manages the local gas distribution network, will be in the area to start phase two of the works, which will last until August.
The work forms part of their 30-year programme to upgrade some of the oldest pipes in the North West, including approximately 21.5km in Liverpool this year.
Some of the pipes that sit under Walton Breck Road, Sleepers Hill and roads leading off these were first installed in 1873, making them older than both of Liverpool’s major football clubs and the construction of the Liver Building.
While the pipes are currently operating safely, Cadent has had to carry out repairs and maintenance on more than 70 occasions over the past two decades.
By upgrading the pipes this rate will fall, meaning temporary road closures and unplanned closures will be less likely to take place.
It also ensures that a safe and reliable supply of gas will be provided to local homes for years to come. There are environmental gains, due to reduced methane emissions and plans to increase the amount of greener gases like biomethane.
Residents can learn more about the works on the Cadent website.
Phase three – road upgrades
Following the first two phases Eric Wright Civil Engineering, on behalf of the Council, will start phase three in August.
This will see a number of upgrades along Walton Breck Road to improve safety and accessibility including resurfaced roads and footpaths, upgraded pedestrian crossings and enhanced bus stop facilities.
Almost £4 million has been invested in this phase of works and the final design has been created in partnership with the community through a series of consultation events.
Residents’ views have influenced junction layouts and crossing points within the scheme.
Any closures and diversions during all three phases of work will be communicated with residents ahead of time and clearly signposted for people travelling through the area.
As the football season draws to a close Anfield will host a number of events throughout the summer months. During this time, works will be temporarily paused, and Walton Breck Road will be reopened to prevent any unnecessary congestion.
The repairs and upgrades form just one part of the wider Anfield Regeneration Programme.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said: “We have been working closely with Dowhigh, Cadent, and Eric Wright to minimise the amount of disruption for people living and working in the area. Residents will be kept informed at every step of the works.
“The work that we are carrying out on Walton Breck Road is for the residents first and foremost. When complete, it will mean a safer, more reliable and more accessible route for everyone who uses it.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience while the works take place and we’re confident the end result will bring real, long‑term benefits to the community.”
Lucy Sterry, Head of Work Management (North West), Cadent, said: “Our responsibility is to ensure that the gas used in the local community is distributed safely and reliably, 24/7. Four out of every five homes in the area have gas central heating.
“While the pipes underground right now are safe, they are coming to the end of their operating life – in some cases, they’re the best part of 150 years old. We’ve worked closely with Liverpool City Council and other companies which need to do work in the same area, to get this planned and delivered in one, big co-ordinated job.
“We will keep the community informed – with regular visits to customers and with drop-in events – so that we identify concerns and resolve them.”
