Everton supporters heading to Hill Dickinson Stadium for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea are being urged to plan ahead and arrive early due to major road closures and rail disruption across Liverpool.
The Blues face Chelsea on Saturday 17 October, with kick-off at 12.30pm, but emergency roadworks on Great Howard Street and planned Merseyrail engineering works are expected to cause significant delays for fans travelling to the match.
With thousands of supporters expected to make their way to the stadium during a busy Saturday morning, Everton have advised fans to allow extra time for their journeys and use public transport wherever possible.
Great Howard Street road closure
Emergency infrastructure works have resulted in a full northbound closure of Great Howard Street between Paisley Street and Walter Street, although the southbound carriageway remains open.
The closure will affect supporter coaches, stadium shuttle buses and general traffic heading towards Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Leeds Street, Vauxhall Road, Scotland Road and Regent Road are all expected to experience increased congestion.
Supporters driving from the south of Liverpool are being encouraged to avoid travelling through the city centre where possible and instead approach the stadium from the north.
Boundary Street traffic changes
Temporary traffic arrangements will also be introduced on Boundary Street from 9am on Saturday to help manage congestion.
Between 9am and 12.30pm, Boundary Street will operate as a managed one-way route towards the stadium, with traffic management teams and police supporting vehicle movements where necessary.
Arrangements will be adjusted following the final whistle to help supporters leave the stadium safely.
Changes to Everton shuttle buses
Supporters using stadium shuttle buses from Liverpool city centre should be aware of revised routes and drop-off arrangements.
Due to the Great Howard Street closure, shuttle buses will travel via Vauxhall Road and Boundary Street.
The pre-match drop-off point has been moved to Great Howard Street at its junction with Lightbody Street, which is already used as the post-match pick-up location.
The post-match pick-up point remains unchanged, with buses receiving priority through Boundary Street and the railway arch corridor.
Fans using shuttle services are advised to allow additional travelling time.
Stadium parking affected
Supporters with parking arrangements at Nelson Dock, West Quay and Blue Badge parking facilities within the Ten Streets area should also prepare for changes to access routes.
Stewards, traffic management teams and police will be on hand to assist vehicles travelling towards designated parking areas.
Everton have confirmed that supporters with allocated parking at West Quay and Nelson Dock will be contacted directly with further information.
Fans travelling by car can find details of alternative parking and park-and-walk options through the Everton matchday parking guide.
Merseyrail disruption from South Liverpool
In addition to the road closures, planned engineering works will affect supporters travelling from South Liverpool on the Merseyrail network.
Rail replacement buses will operate between Hunts Cross and Moorfields, with no replacement bus stop at Liverpool Central.
However, Northern Line train services will continue to operate normally through Sandhills on the following routes:
- Southport to Liverpool Central and return
- Ormskirk to Liverpool Central and return
- Headbolt Lane to Liverpool Central and return
The disruption forms part of a £3.5 million project to strengthen and waterproof four railway tunnels carrying Northern Line services into Liverpool from the south.
Supporters are encouraged to check the latest Merseyrail travel information before setting off.
Everton urge fans to arrive early
With both road and rail disruption expected, Everton are strongly encouraging supporters to avoid leaving their journeys until the last minute.
Arriving earlier than usual will help reduce congestion around Hill Dickinson Stadium, minimise queues at transport drop-off points and turnstiles, and ensure fans are inside the ground ahead of kick-off.
Supporters should continue checking updates from Everton, Merseyrail and local transport providers throughout Saturday morning.
