Highways Agency

• Improvements phase 2

M57 Switch Island Junction Improvements Phase 2

Improvements Phase 2

Introduction

The M57/M58/A5036/A59 junction, known locally as Switch Island, is a vital hub in the local transport infrastructure of Sefton. The junction stands at the head of the A5036, which forms the gateway to the Port of Liverpool and the Bootle dock area, linking them to the national motorway network via the M57 and M58. The four major routes which converge at Switch Island transfer up to 80,000 vehicles per day through the junction with heavy goods vehicles accounting for some 10% of the total flow. These traffic flows produce extensive queuing on the approaches to the signals which in turn leads to a higher risk of low severity accidents.

The background story

This location has seen a number of significant improvements to the highway infrastructure to reflect the changing pattern of development over the last thirty years.

Before the M57 was opened from Switch Island to the A580 in 1974 the line of the old A59 had been diverted to form a conventional roundabout. By 1980, the section of the M58 from Switch Island to Skelmersdale was opened and a full roundabout provided with traffic signals. In 1994 an additional lane was added to the A5036 from Switch Island to Heysham Road.

Phase 1 of the improvement works were opened in November 1998. Phase 1 was designed to alleviate the delays and reduce the risk of accidents until Phase 2 works are completed.

The problem

The traffic flows approaching Switch Island are predicted to increase over the forthcoming years leading to further delays and frustration for all types of road users.

The Phase 1 works were only predicted to cater for traffic growth in the following five year period, and therefore queuing is once again being experienced both at the junction and on the adjoining roads.

The existing queuing at the junction leads to reliability problems for the operation of local bus services and the distribution of goods for local businesses.

The congestion also leads to higher levels of vehicle noise and air pollution and results in an increased likelihood of low severity accidents.

What is the new scheme?

The Phase 2 junction improvements further adapt the Phase 1 works to provide for a number of benefits including:

• increased capacity to meet the predicted traffic volumes in 2020.
• the potential for future connection to the Thornton Link Road which is being promoted by Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council.
• increased journey time reliability for Merseytravel's proposed Quality Bus Corridor along the A59.
• the retention of the existing vehicle inspection facility.

Several options were considered, with the preferred option shown below. The chosen option is for a signal controlled junction where all the work will be on land within the existing highway boundary.

Options considered

A number of alternative traffic signal controlled options were considered including:

• additional lanes on certain areas of the existing layout
• two T junctions
• an option with two T junctions incorporating an innovative scissors junction on the M57 approach road
• a double roundabout.

Preferred option

The significant changes that will occur as a result of the improvements are that traffic from the M57, excluding that going to the A59 Ormskirk Road, is taken into a signal controlled junction in the centre of the roundabout to turn left to the A5036 or right to the A59/M58. This will remove the queuing problems in the South East corner of the existing junction.

Reasons for selection

After analysing all the proposals the preferred option was chosen based on the following benefits:

• the predicted journey time through the junction was the shortest of all the options
• junction performed the best in computer tests with the least queuing and delays
• offers the best value for money
• a shorter construction period
• most works occur offline, minimising disruption
• no additional land take outside the existing highway boundary
• provides the best opportunity to improve pedestrian and cycle facilities around the junction.

Scheme location

What happens next?

The Highways Agency has appointed Atkins as their Consultants to take the Phase 2 Improvements forward.

Proposals for Switch Island are progressing in parallel with Sefton MBC's assessment of their proposed Thornton Link. Switch Island Phase 2 works are designed to deliver benefits to road users with or without the completion of the Thornton Link. The layout will however be constructed in such a way as to facilitate the later connection of the Thornton Link to the western side of the junction.

To assist in the assessment of the Phase 2 works, surveys have been carried out into the existing traffic, soil and environmental conditions. We have consulted with various statutory and local bodies to obtain relevant information and views. These bodies cover areas including the following:

• Landscape and visual amenity
• Ecology
• Flora and fauna
• Heritage
• Land use and ownership
• Safety and operation

The results of the consultations together with an assessment of the performance and cost of the options were the basis from which the Highways Agency decided the Preferred Route.

Public notices and Draft Orders were published for the alterations in August 2004. These may lead to a Public Inquiry (PI), held by an independent Inspector to consider objections to the proposals, who will report to the Secretary of State for Transport. The Secretary of State will then decide whether the Orders are to be confirmed.

Subject to the need for a PI, it is anticipated that construction will commence in late Spring 2005 with completion the following year.

Your feedback and further information

The Highways Agency is keen to hear your views on the proposals for Switch Island to assist us in developing the preferred option.

Paul Elliott
Highways Agency
Operations Division
Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester
M1 4BE
Tel: 0161 930 5616

Andrew Powell
Atkins
Television House
Mount Street
Manchester
M2 5NT
Tel: 0161 839 3113