Drivers facing months of disruption at Tarbock Island have been promised "light at the end of the tunnel" as the roadworks are expected to continue into next year. The project aims to improve traffic flow at one of the region's busiest routes connecting Knowsley and Liverpool city centre, as well as providing a main access point to the M62.
Council leader's update
Cllr Graham Morgan, appearing on BBC Radio Merseyside's The Hot Seat show on October 28, said the island's design from the 1970s has been outgrown by traffic. He noted that travel from the A57 and A62 makes it a major network, and that the work, led by Highways England alongside Knowsley Council, has faced unavoidable delays.
Morgan, who said he frequently gets stuck in queues "especially when the slip roads are taken away," added: "All of the works should be completed in January. There will be wider carriageways and it will awfully improve the whole of Tarbock Island around."
Completion timeline and closures
He confirmed that in January, all temporary traffic lights will be removed and drivers will be able to use all slip roads and the roundabout system. The project has slipped by only a couple of weeks, considering recent weather, and Morgan thanked drivers for their patience.
Until 13 November, the east side of Tarbock Island roundabout will be closed overnight from October 21 to November 13, between 8pm and 5am, for final finishing works and carriageway resurfacing. Until January 2027, the M57 southbound exit slip road will be closed, with a diversion via the Knowsley Expressway (A5300).
Impact on drivers
Additionally, the M62 Junction 6 eastbound exit slip road will be closed until January 2027, with diverted traffic directed to Junction 7. All lanes of the roundabout will be closed from Cronton Road's eastbound approach to just before the A5300 northbound exit slip road, though the A5300 exit will remain open.
The M62 Junction 6 eastbound exit slip road, currently closed 24/27, will open at night to assist traffic along Cronton Road westbound towards Huyton. During the day, the east side of the roundabout will be reduced to a single lane. Knowsley Council has advised drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time, or choose alternative routes.
