Work has begun on excavation at a key bridge in north Liverpool, with drivers facing delays. Diversions are in place around Orrell Park bridge from today, and the route will remain closed for the duration of this week.
Liverpool Council is carrying out the project to improve traffic signals located around the bridge. In a letter issued to residents, the local authority said every effort will be made to “complete the works as quickly as possible and to minimise disruption wherever possible.” The bridge is anticipated to remain closed until Friday.
Underground ducting installation
The underground work is part of planned wider improvements to the traffic signal equipment at the site. A letter issued to households said the works involve the installation of new underground ducting on all roads around the junction. These will hold new signal cabling and equipment around Orrell Lane.
The work is understood to be around upgrading the existing traffic signal system to manage the lights more efficiently. The area is a major pinch point for drivers at peak times, including morning and evening rush hours.
Safety and diversion measures
The letter added: “The closure is required to ensure the safety of both the workforce and members of the public while the works are undertaken. During the closure, signed diversion routes will be in place to assist drivers travelling through the area.”
Access for pedestrians will be maintained wherever it is safe and practical to do so, according to the city council, which said emergency services and other key stakeholders will be informed of the closure arrangements in advance.
Future improvements
The letter, issued by the authority’s urban traffic control department, added: “These improvements will help keep the traffic signals working reliably at the junction and make future maintenance and upgrades easier. We appreciate that these works may cause inconvenience and disruption to residents, businesses and road users. Every effort will be made to complete the works as quickly as possible and to minimise disruption wherever possible. We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.”
It is thought further works could be undertaken in the next six months to implement the new system. The city council’s traffic teams said in October how the Rice Lane, Orrell Lane and Moss Lane corridor experiences periods where traffic demand exceeds the available capacity, particularly during peak times, and as a result, some level of delay and queuing is likely to remain.
