Echoes of the Big Dig as chaos returns to Liverpool’s Strand

LIVERPOOL Council last night apologised to thousands of motorists caught up in rush- hour chaos on one of the city’s busiest routes.

Many motorists faced delays of more than 45-minutes to travel just a few hundred yards in the city centre, due to two lanes on The Strand being closed. Yesterday, and on Monday, the city council closed the lanes to install new lighting columns opposite the famous Three Graces, causing long tailbacks.

The problems were exacerbated by the partial closure of Tithebarn Street, at the heart of the business district, which is closed until the weekend for gas and water works.

Opposition councillors last night said the delays would remind drivers of the delays endured during the city’s massive road regeneration scheme – the Big Dig.

Frank McKenna, of business lobby group Downtown Liverpool in Business, said the city’s leadership should be embarrassed over the chaos. The current works on The Strand involve improving the street lighting between James Street and New Quay and repaving the footpaths between the James Street junction and Chapel Street, using high-quality materials.