Southport Eastern Access is one of the major highway projects in Sefton. It will improve travel into and out of Southport and around the Norwood area.

With Phase 1 of the Southport Eastern Access scheme approaching completion, Phase 2 is due to start this year.

This next phase will see a major changes around Kew Roundabout and the opening Foul Lane to traffic. These improvements will make walking and cycling by Kew Roundabout safer with the introduction of signalised crossings.

Additionally, the works will improve access to the retail park through opening Foul Lane to traffic. This improves access to shopping and leisure opportunities.

Phase 1 - Norwood Road junctions

Phase 1 of the scheme involves improvements at the Bispham Road and Sussex Road junctions. This work improves capacity at the junction for motorists will help prevent nearby residential streets being used as rat runs. This change, which makes those surrounding streets quieter, safer and more pleasant places to be, especially benefiting local schools.

Social Value

The benefits also include the social value delivered supporting the local community, providing local jobs and giving opportunities to young people in Sefton. This leaves a long-lasting impact.

Throughout Phase 1 of the scheme, contractor Balfour Beatty spent 78 hours engaging with local learners and spent 70 hours volunteering in Sefton.

The scheme has also created new roles for local people, provided opportunities for care leavers through paid work experience placements and provided career mentoring to unemployed residents to help them move closer to sustainable employment.

Phase 2 - Kew Roundabout and Foul Lane

As well as benefiting people driving in Southport, Phase 2 of the Southport Eastern Access scheme improves walking and cycling in the area through improved crossings and pathways.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Skills, Economy and Regeneration:

“This is good news for everyone, including those who don’t drive and those who would rather just walk or cycle around their local area.

“We are delivering infrastructure changes that support people to be able to choose to walk, wheel or cycle if they wish, in a way that is accessible for all.

Phase 2 changes

“Improvements to Kew Roundabout, which people tell us they are genuinely scared crossing with small children, will benefit pedestrians in the area, particularly pupils from the local school.

“The new signalised and segregated cycling and pedestrian crossings will make a huge difference and increase the safety of those young people who are walking or cycling to school.”

These changes are about improving travel for everyone in the area. It is also about planning for the future. With proposed new housing in the area, the Council is improving junction capacities as making sure the necessary infrastructure is in place for the future.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways said:

“Many people like to be able to walk or cycle to their local park, shops or school or workplace and really feel happier and fitter doing so. With additional climate benefits to leaving the car at home for short journeys, it really is a win win.”

Trees

With works on Phase 2 due to start this year, vegetation and tree clearance on Foul Lane will be taking place during the coming winter months. This will ensure it does not affect bird nesting season.

The winter season is also a time for introducing new trees and the Council is planting over 70 in the area. This includes the replacement of trees removed from local streets during Phase 1.

Cllr Veidman continued:

“We are all happier with more trees around and the Council avoids removing them where we can, but that isn’t always possible.

“However, we want to reassure people that as trees are removed, we are also putting them back where we can, leaving the streets nicer than we found it. We are doing this through replacing every tree removed with at least two for one new trees.

“Trees are a great addition to the street scene, they benefit wildlife, provide shade in the summer and simply enhance the look of the street.”

All species selected for planting are chosen carefully for their size and suitability for the environment.

Phase 2 works will be timed to ensure the minimum amount of disruption possible during times when Southport will be attracting visitors.