An urgent warning has been issued to drivers in Liverpool city centre as emergency roadworks have led to the closure of a key road. Scottish Power is currently carrying out repairs following a major cable fault, resulting in a full northbound closure on Great Howard Street.
Road closed for emergency repairs
The busy road was closed northbound between the Paisley Street area and Saltney Street at around 7pm yesterday, Thursday October 15. Liverpool City Council told the ECHO it is not yet known when the carriageway will be reopened.
People are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible and to give themselves extra time when travelling through the area, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening. Paisley Street access to Costco and Home Bargains remains open.
Everton fans urged to plan ahead
Everton supporters attending Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium have been urged to allow extra time for their journey, and arrive early if possible, as increased congestion is expected.
In a statement, an Everton FC spokesman said: "Everton supporters attending Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium are strongly encouraged to allow extra time for their journey and arrive early ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off.
"A combination of emergency roadworks on Great Howard Street (northbound) and planned disruption to rail services from South Liverpool, both outlined in more detail below, is expected to place additional pressure on routes to the stadium before the game.
"With a large number of supporters travelling during a compressed Saturday morning period, the Club is encouraging fans to plan ahead and arrive earlier than usual to help avoid congestion and long queues close to kick-off."
Matchday travel arrangements
Leeds Street, Vauxhall Road, Scotland Road and Regent Road are expected to be busier than usual ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off tomorrow, Saturday October 17.
To help keep everyone safe as they travel to and from Hill Dickinson, Boundary Street will be made a one-way system, heading towards the Stadium, between 9am and 12.30pm. After the match, the traffic management arrangements will be adjusted to help supporters and vehicles leave the stadium area safely and efficiently.
Stadium shuttle buses will operate on a diverted route via Vauxhall Road and Boundary Street. The pre-match drop-off location will now be relocated to the current post-match location on Great Howard Street at its junction with Lightbody Street. The post-match pick-up location remains unchanged.
The Great Howard Street closure will also affect access for supporters travelling to Nelson Dock, West Quay and Blue Badge parking within the Ten Streets area. Visitors booked into these car parks will be contacted directly by Everton Football Club, Liverpool Council said.
Rail disruption
Due to planned engineering work on the Merseyrail network, rail replacement bus services will be operating between Hunts Cross and Moorfields stations, with no bus stop at Liverpool Central. The works form part of a £3.5 million project to strengthen and waterproof four tunnels carrying Northern Line services into Liverpool from the south.
Anyone affected by the works is encouraged to check their route before travelling and allow additional time for their journey.
