Work on a key route in Liverpool city centre which includes innovative traffic signals to help cyclists has been completed.
The £3.5m scheme on Leeds Street includes revolutionary new signals at the junctions with Vauxhall Road and Pall Mall to help cyclists beat traffic.
A signal displaying a green bike comes on before the full green for other traffic, allowing cyclists a five second head start on other vehicles. ThermiCam detectors use video and thermal sensors to detect cyclists and distinguish them from other vehicles, meaning the advance lights are not used when there are no cyclists, avoiding delays to other road users.
This system combining thermal video technology and the advanced cycle signal is thought to be one of the first to be used in UK and received a special authorisation from the Department for Transport. This was designed by Amey engineers based in The Matchworks, Speke.
It is part of a package of work to help reduce barriers for all road users and pedestrians as well as improve connectivity both on and across the route. Highways improvements include additional right turn lanes, new pedestrian facilities at Pall Mall, resurfacing work, major street lighting improvements and footway enhancements. The area on the south side of Leeds Street between Vauxhall Road and Pall Mall has been dramatically transformed to provide a modern off road cycle and pedestrian link, trees, planters and a Citybike station.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said “This scheme will make a big difference to all road users, whether they are motorists, pedestrians or cyclists
“We are using the most up-to-date technology to help cyclists. They will get a start on other traffic at the signals which will not only help traffic flow but improve safety.
“This work will improve links, by removing pinch points at junctions. It’ll also increase the capacity of the Leeds Street route, which links North Liverpool with the city’s commercial district.”
The scheme was designed, constructed and project managed by Amey on behalf of the City Council and used local Speke based sub-contractor, King Construction for the groundworks.
Mike Cafferkey, Amey, Business Director for the North said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Liverpool City Council and the Department for Transport to make Liverpool one of leading cities in the UK to install innovative new cycle signals, that use the most up-to-date technology to ensure the safety of cyclists at some of the city’s busiest junctions. The completion of the scheme also helps improve transport links between North Liverpool and the city’s commercial district.”
Funding was provided by the Regional Growth Fund and is part of successful bid by the city council for £25m for the North Liverpool City Fringe Investment and Employment Programme.