Halton revved up for £25m funding
NEARLY £25m of funding has been earmarked to improve travel in Halton as part of a £232.96m funding package intended to create a “Londonstyle” transport network across the Liverpool City Region (LCR).
The proposals unveiled by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram are expected to focus on supporting public transport, relieving congestion, and improving air quality.
Anticipated works include roads resurfacing, drainage to prevent flooding and new streetlights.
Bus users, cyclists and pedestrians are also predicted to benefit via upgraded bus shelters, paths and cycleways, plus the installation of pedestrian crossings.
Halton has been provisionally allocated £24.37m from the fund, with neighbouring Knowsley to receive £29.19m; Liverpool, £50.55m; Sefton, £41.11m; St Helens, £34.29m; Wirral, £37.77m; and Merseytravel, £15.68m. Mr Rotheram said he hopes to create an integrated “London-style transport network” to make travel in the region easier to use, cheaper, quicker, and more reliable.
He said: “Our region’s success is dependent on our people, and goods, being able to move quickly, safely, and efficiently.
“By investing in electric charging points and improved, future-proof infrastructure on the roads and transport network, we can ensure that our economy continues to accelerate forward as we rebuild from the pandemic.
“Ultimately, my vision is to create a modern, London-style public transport network.
“Not only will it make a huge difference to the lives of our residents, making their journeys cheaper, faster, and more reliable, but it would provide people with a genuinely viable alternative to their car.
“By choosing to travel on the bus or train, or even walking or cycling, we can significantly reduce traffic congestion on our roads - which will be vital for our region to hit our goal of being net zero carbon by 2040 at the latest.”
Subject to approval, Halton Borough Council will be delivering the works with more information about the schemes to be published at a later date.
Cllr Stef Nelson (transportation) said: “This can only be good news for Halton.
“Highway upgrades are designed to improve public transport and active travel. Improvements would help relieve congestion and improve air quality - road users to benefit from safer, better journeys.
“It’s a win-win if passed.”
It is hoped the benefits will extend beyond transport, improving access to key sites in the city region for education, housing, health, and productivity.
The LCR Combined Authority was awarded an indicative allocation of £710m to fund transformational transport projects through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) in November 2021.