Work has commenced on a major six-month road improvement project on Wavertree High Street and Picton Road, with drivers warned to expect significant delays. Liverpool Council is investing over £2 million from the Liverpool City Region's Key Route Network Levelling Up Programme into the scheme.
Project Scope and Timeline
The improvements stretch from the Spofforth Road junction to the Picton Clock Tower Roundabout and are expected to take at least 26 weeks. Initial surveys in the first few weeks will require lane closures and temporary traffic lights. The works include full carriageway resurfacing, improved pedestrian crossing points, and the installation of push-button crossings on all four arms of the junction between Picton Road and Rathbone Road.
The local authority aims to provide a fit-for-purpose, resilient, high-quality highway network for travel by bus, walking, and cycling, while also improving air quality for communities. All works have been planned to minimise disruption to residents, businesses, and commuters.
Phased Disruptions
The first phase, from Spofforth Road to Combermere Street and then to Alderson Road, runs until July 17. Four-way temporary traffic signals will be in operation, with slight delays expected on the northern side of Picton Road. From July 22, temporary lane closures will occur at the north-east end of the Rathbone Road junction, outside Maitri. Portions of the footway will be closed for short periods, with safe pedestrian diversions in place.
Community and Official Reactions
Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool Council cabinet member for transport and connectivity, stated: “The safety of all road users is a priority to us, whether they’re driving, walking or wheeling. This is a particularly busy junction, and we know residents have raised concerns about how difficult it can be to cross safely. These upgrades will make a real difference for pedestrians and will help create a safer, more accessible environment for everyone who uses the high street.”
When the Liverpool ECHO visited the area in March, residents and community leaders acknowledged the need for works but expressed trepidation. Cllr Laurence Sidorczuk commented: “It’s known in the community as the death trap junction. The bus stops are at the pinch points and they’re so close to the road. If a bus stops up there, traffic bunches up. It’s a job that needed doing years ago, it’s taken far too long for this to come to fruition. It’s going to cause problems, I’m trying to keep residents updated on this. The bus routes will have to be diverted, they say it’s going to take six months. I’m expecting an avalanche of complaints which I can understand but it’s got to happen. If not us now, then when?”
