The Big Dig: Liverpool delivers its verdict

Jan 21 2008 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

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SURVEY: EIGHTY-FIVE per cent think the roadworks could have been better planned, particularly in terms of liaising with utility companies over their planned works

ANSWER: “Roadworks are planned very carefully by the city and its partners, including the utility companies. Wherever possible, utility companies co-operate with one another to avoid repeat disruption and all agencies involved in such works meet on a weekly basis.

“It is important to note that the utility companies have a legal right to dig up roads for essential repairs and that there were critical budgetary and logistical reasons for United Utilities to carry out its major upgrade in Liverpool at this time.”

SURVEY: 85% say journeys around the city centre have got longer, with 67% saying the roadworks have meant they now try to make fewer journeys to, or around, the city centre

ANSWER: “Journeys around every British city in the last 10 years have got longer and Liverpool is no exception to this. We acknowledge temporary localised issues while work was carried out but believe the long term benefits will be worth the short-term problems.”

SURVEY: 80% say business has suf- fered as a result, and 40% think tourism has suffered

ANSWER: “It is clear that tourism in Liverpool is on the rise at an unprecedented rate. Some additional 1.7m extra visitors are expected in the city during 2008. Retail performance across the city centre has generally improved over recent years although local disruption has caused some outlets temporary problems. Both the council and private development companies have worked hard to consult with any businesses impacted by works which will benefit in the long term from the massive investment taking place.”

SURVEY: 69.4% say the aim of the Big Dig is right.

ANSWER: “This shows that more than two thirds of respondents obviously recognise the fundamental need for Liverpool to tackle its outdated infrastructure for the long-term good of the city.

SURVEY: 51.5% believe that the long-term economic impact of 2008 could be hampered by the Big Dig.

ANSWER: “The long term economic impact of developments associated with the Big Dig are absolutely clear. ACC Liverpool, for instance, is predicted to deliver some £100m in economic impact during 2008 alone. Liverpool One, meanwhile, will help to propel Liverpool towards the top the UK’s retail league table as a shopping destination.”

SURVEY: 61% of people have not tried other modes of transport to get into the city, with only 20% doing some journeys by train and 27% by bus.

ANSWER: “Like all cities across the UK, Liverpool is attempting to encourage commuters to use public transport wherever possible. This is essential for obvious environmental reasons and to help to stem the inevitable rise in congestion as economic activity increases. The city has seen significant improvements to its public transport infrastructure in recent years, not least the Paradise Street bus interchange, station improvements and park-and- ride facilities on the outskirts of the city, such as the new Liverpool South Parkway. We will continue to work to encourage people to use the available public transport.”

SURVEY: Asked how much longer journeys made by car had become, 38.4% said 10 to 20 minutes, while 24.2% said journeys had become up to half-an-hour longer.

ANSWER:“As the major highway improvements in the city centre are completed, congestion will be reduced. However, the increase in journey times is a situation which is reflected across the UK.”