Strand ‘big dig’ to go on for 17 months

Oct 7 2007 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post

Big Dig traffic on the Strand

LIVERPOOL’S “big dig” roadworks along the showpiece Strand waterfront will continue throughout Culture Year until March, 2009.

Contractors working on Liverpool’s £1bn Paradise Street project have been given the go-ahead to continue vital waterfront road works for another 17 months.

It means motorists will be stopped from making certain U-turns along The Strand and Wapping, forcing them into long detours to reach their destinations.

A newly-built bus lane leading to the partially-opened Paradise Street interchange will remain coned off until the spring of 2009. Along- side it, a pedestrian route, running in front of Grosvenor’s flagship One Park West development, will also remain closed to the public.

Last night, the developer’s Paradise Street project director, Rod Holmes, pledged to have the bulk of works to open up three lanes in each direction, finished by March.

But he admitted buses would have to share these general traffic lanes for a further year.

“I can guarantee that by next March there will be three-lanes operation along The Strand in each direction,” said Mr Holmes.

Grosvenor asked for permission to use special controls until the opening of the One Park West residential project.

The spectre of lane closures continuing along the route will come as a blow to drivers who have already endured big dig delays for three years.

The announcement of continuing work comes just days after a major shake-up of lanes along Strand Street as part of one of the most complicated road projects within the city centre.

Two new tunnels have been built that, when opened next year, will allow access to the underground car park beneath Chavasse Park.

Under the latest restrictions traffic heading towards the city centre along Wapping will be banned from making a U-turn at the Liver Street interchange.

Traffic heading towards Wapping will also be prohibited from making a U-turn at the Albert Dock entrance.

Last night, Liverpool City Council said its engineering managers would monitor the progress of the work and lift restriction orders as soon as possible. Mr Holmes added: “By the end of next March, there will be three lanes along Strand Street in each direction.

“A new bus lane along Strand Street has been built, but this will not be available for use until around March, 2009, along with the pavement.

“This is because of continuing work on One Park West.

“The orders prohibiting U-turns are because currently there is nothing to prevent motorists making this manoeuvre. It will enable police to take action against people making such turns.”

OPINION: PAGE 6

larryneild