Motorists in Sefton face a week of significant disruption as a critical artery in the Merseyside transport network undergoes a series of complete overnight closures. The works on Netherton Way, a vital link to the Port of Liverpool, are part of a major infrastructure project designed to reshape the region's economic future.
Beginning today, September 15th, the nightly shutdowns are essential for the ambitious Maritime Corridor Scheme, a multi-million-pound initiative aimed at slashing congestion and boosting connectivity across South Sefton. Commuters are advised to plan alternative routes as the council prioritizes worker safety during the intensive resurfacing project.
Key Takeaways
- What: Complete overnight closure of Netherton Way for road servicing.
- When: For five consecutive nights, starting Monday, September 15th, and concluding on Friday.
- Why: The closure is a critical part of the wider Maritime Corridor Scheme, funded by the Levelling Up Fund.
- Impact: Significant disruption is expected on a key route connecting Liverpool and Sefton, particularly for traffic heading towards the Port of Liverpool.
Details of the Five-Night Shutdown
Sefton Council has confirmed that Netherton Way will be entirely inaccessible to traffic during overnight hours for five consecutive nights this week. The closures are scheduled to begin each evening from Monday, September 15th, through to Friday morning.
This measure is deemed necessary to facilitate comprehensive road servicing. In a public update, the council emphasized the need to protect its workforce during the operation.
"Works will take place across the whole road, making a closure necessary to keep workers safe," a spokesperson for Sefton Council stated.
The road is a primary feeder onto Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036), which serves as a major gateway between the City of Liverpool and the Borough of Sefton. The works are expected to impact late-night commercial traffic and evening commuters.
The Bigger Picture: The Maritime Corridor Scheme
These nightly closures are not an isolated event but a crucial component of the far-reaching Maritime Corridor Scheme (MCS). This strategic project is designed to overhaul the transport infrastructure in South Sefton, addressing long-standing issues of traffic congestion and inefficient travel times.
What is the Maritime Corridor?
The Maritime Corridor encompasses the network of roads from the busy Switch Island interchange to Atlantic Park. It includes the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road and the A5038 Netherton Way, which are the primary arteries connecting the national motorway system to the Port of Liverpool, one of the UK's busiest and most important ports.
The overarching goal of the MCS is to create a more fluid and reliable transport network capable of supporting the region's economic ambitions. By improving traffic flow, the project aims to unlock significant economic potential.
A Strategic Investment for Sefton's Future
The ambitious scheme is backed by significant central government and regional funding. It is financed through a combination of the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund and capital from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, highlighting its regional importance.
According to Sefton Council, the benefits of the project extend beyond just motorists. The planned improvements include:
- Reduced Congestion: Targeting notorious bottlenecks to decrease daily traffic jams.
- Enhanced Travel Times: Creating more predictable and faster journeys for both commercial and private vehicles.
- Improved Active Travel: Upgrading and creating new walking and cycling routes to promote healthier and more sustainable transport options.
- Economic Growth: Bolstering connectivity to the Port of Liverpool and other key employment sites like Atlantic Park, making the area more attractive for investment and job creation.
Navigating the Disruption: What Drivers Need to Know
While the complete closure of Netherton Way is restricted to overnight hours, motorists should be aware of additional, ongoing works in the area. Sefton Council has implemented related lane closures along both Dunnings Bridge Road and Netherton Way.
To minimize the impact on peak traffic, these lane restrictions are confined to off-peak times, operating between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. The council anticipates that this scheduling will result in minimal disruption to the majority of commuters.
However, drivers using these routes during the day should still allow for extra travel time. Diversion routes for the overnight closures will be clearly signposted, and motorists are urged to follow the official guidance to avoid local congestion.
A Phased Approach to a Major Overhaul
Construction on the Maritime Corridor Scheme officially commenced in late 2024. The current work on Dunnings Bridge Road and Netherton Way constitutes Phase 1 of this multi-stage project.
The council has outlined a roadmap for future phases, which will see improvements extended to other key local roads. These include:
- Bridle Road
- Heysham Road
- Park Lane
- Vesty Road
This phased approach allows the council to manage the complex engineering works while attempting to mitigate the overall disruption to residents and businesses. The long-term vision is a fully modernized transport corridor that will serve the needs of Sefton and the wider Liverpool City Region for decades to come, ensuring the area remains a competitive and vital economic hub.