MP welcomes start of works to add new slip roads to M58 junction 1

MP Bill Esterson has welcomed the long-awaited start of works to install the ‘missing slip roads’ at junction 1 of the M58 in Melling.

Works have begun on a northbound off-slip and a southbound on-slip, and should be completed by Spring 2020.

Mr Esterson said it was vital that these works were completed before the commencement of any major housebuilding in Melling and Maghull.

The MP for Sefton Central and Shadow Business Minister said: “This is a much-needed new infrastructure project which is vital for the development of Maghull and Melling. It was imperative that Sefton Council and Highways England made sure this was sorted out before the planned major housebuilding started. It is so important to get infrastructure such as this in place and it will be a major boost to both Melling and Maghull. I am very pleased that this project was given the highest priority by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and our Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, and that they contributed the lion’s share of the funding to make this happen.”

Melling councillor Tony Carr added: “It is a relief to see this work finally commence after some difficulties with acquiring the land needed and maintaining access for local landowners where needed. The developer has vowed to take part in certain legacy projects as well which means there will be even more benefits to the local community than these much-needed new slip roads.

“We are also pleased that a construction traffic management plan (CTMP) has been developed for the scheme and agreement has been reached that all deliveries of construction material, including earthworks and surfacing material will be from the M58, although there may be occasional deliveries through Kirkby. The main contractor has briefed the suppliers and sub-contractors over the delivery routes and we will have a site based Project Manager to make sure that this is complied with. This should reduce disruption for residents which is what we pushed for.”

It has taken Highways England much longer than anticipated to commence the works due to difficulties acquiring the necessary land.

Compulsory Purchase Orders were used by Sefton Council and Highways England. Following this an agreement over the value of the land was reached and access to a small section of field maintained for the landowners.

The contractor, John Sisk and sons, were able to commence work from 20 May 2019.

The site compound, the construction of the new farm access track and associated junction were identified as the first activities. Works will then be focused on the earthworks elements to construct the slip roads.

If the scheme goes to programme, then the new slip roads should be open and operational by Spring 2020.

As part of the Contractor’s legacy plan, John Sisk and Sons have planned a number of initiatives.

They have been  in touch with the following local schools with the view to engaging with them in relation to engineering, technology and/or construction site safety projects: Summerhill Primary School, Hudson Primary School, St Andrew’s Primary School,  Maghull High School and  Deyes High School.

Sisk are also in the process of contacting Lancashire Wildlife Trust with the view to discussing any projects they have at Lunt Meadows that they can assist with. 

They have also  previously provided design data to the University of Liverpool School of Engineering for use in design projects.

Mr Esterson added: “This is all good news of the local area and I hope the works are completed swiftly and with minimal disruption. The new slip roads will  improve journey times between Maghull and North Liverpool and I hope that as predicted, they will reduce traffic on the A59 and some residential roads.”