Knowsley Council has completed the first phase of itstransport improvement scheme as part of the Growth Deal for the Liverpool City Region.
In 2014 the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) secured a total of £232m of Local Growth Fund from the Growth Plan that was submitted to Government.
The Knowsley Business Park Access and Connectivity Improvements Scheme, is the first major transport initiative to be delivered in the Liverpool City Region following the devolution of funding from the Department for Transport.
As part of the scheme, a new roundabout has been constructed at the junction of Moss End Way and Perimeter Road to make it easier for businesses, visitors and other drivers to access the Business Park.
This is the first phase of the major transport improvements at the Park which started in August 2015. The scheme will provide clear routes and gateways for vehicles to identify and access the park. There will also be more public transport available and improved walking and cycling access making it easier for people to move around the park, whatever form of transport they use.
Cllr Mike Murphy, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: “I am delighted that the first phase of work is complete and that this new roundabout is now in use.
Knowsley’s location and connectivity is a key part of what makes us so appealing to businesses. Improving that access and connectivity even further and creating a reliable transport network is essential to ensure Knowsley Business Park can grow and meet futures increases in demand.
This infrastructure creates a significant new gateway into Knowsley Business Parkand I hope that drivers are noticing an improvement to the traffic flow.”
Robert Hough, Chair of the Liverpool City Region LEP welcomed the investment and said: “Through our focus on transport and infrastructure projects set out in our Growth Plan we have been clear that growth across the North can only be enabled by the private sector in the identification of key infrastructure projects. Access to Knowsley Business Park is such a project and I am delighted to see the first phase of this scheme completed.
Robert added: “What this scheme also means is better access for businesses and beyond that more jobs.”
A total of £6.7 million has been invested into the Knowsley Business Park Access and Connectivity Improvement scheme. The other areas of work include:
Perimeter Road/South Boundary Road/Coopers Lane Junction
Significant modifications to the road layout have made it easier for the movement of HGV’s and enhances the parks ability to attract investment from freight and logistics companies.
Admin Road/Gale Road/South Boundary Road Junction
The existing junctions will be transformed into a gateway and public transport hub and it is hoped it will attract further retail and commercial development in the future.
A580 East Lancashire Road Gateways
Improvements to the junctions on the A580 at Coopers Lane and Moorgate Road will enable right turn movements to provide direct access to the park and reduce congestion.
This work is on schedule to be complete by August 2016.