Edge Lane West bypass opens Monday

Long-awaited improvements to the drive in from the M62 into Liverpool city centre are nearing reality with the opening of the replacement carriageway for Hall Lane opening to motorists on Monday 28 February.

The £19m project being delivered by Balfour Beatty is aimed at taking traffic out of residential areas and speeding up journey times.

The new section of road is called Low Hall from the Prescot Road Low Hill junction and Mount Vernon Road from West Derby Street to Edge Lane. Hall Lane itself will become an access only road and will be blocked off at both ends. Access will be via Mount Vernon Green.

The new carriageway will be single lane in the first weeks after opening while the remaining works to the verges and other works are completed. Towards the end of the scheme, at the beginning of summer 2011, the full carriageway will be open to traffic.

Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "This will be a much-improved route in and out of the city centre which will improve road safety, journey times and reduce congestion. By making Hall Lane for access only, we are able to return this section of road back to the local community and take busy traffic away from this residential area."