A comprehensive series of highway improvement works along Wavertree High Street and Picton Road is scheduled to commence next month, aiming to deliver a significantly upgraded travel experience on one of the primary transport arteries in Liverpool.
The upcoming infrastructure project represents the next phase of a major investment scheme backed by more than ¬£2 million in funding from the Liverpool City Region’s key route network levelling up programme, with on-site engineering teams prepared to start operations on Monday, 6 July 2026.
Civil engineering firm Aureos Highways has been formally appointed as the main contractor to oversee the delivery of the upgrades, which will span the geographical stretch from the Spofforth Road junction to the Picton clock tower roundabout over an estimated 26-week period.
The physical scope of the project encompasses full carriageway resurfacing to repair the worn road structure, alongside the creation of enhanced pedestrian crossing points and the installation of modern push-button crossing systems on all four arms of the busy intersection connecting Picton Road and Rathbone Road.
In an effort to optimise local transport capacity, engineers will integrate an advanced digital vehicle detection system into the existing traffic signals along the route, allowing for intelligent signal timings that dynamically react to shifting lane congestion.
Local authority planners have structured the delivery phases with the specific objective of minimising daily disruption for surrounding residents, local businesses, and daily commuters using the corridor.
During the initial opening weeks of the project, a series of essential preparatory site surveys will necessitate temporary lane closures and the implementation of portable traffic signals during off-peak hours.
Regular progress updates regarding the engineering phases will be distributed across municipal social media accounts, while any necessary service diversions affecting public transport routes will be regularly updated on the Merseytravel website.
Public Information Events Arranged for the Local Wavertree Community
To assist residents and business operators located within the immediate vicinity of the construction zone, the local authority and Aureos Highways will host two public engagement drop-in sessions at the Liverpool Aquatics Centre, situated at Wavertree Sports Park on Liverpool Road.
These scheduled public forums will provide attendees with a direct opportunity to speak with the lead project engineering team, inspect the detailed construction blueprints, and raise specific practical questions regarding the impending upgrades.
The two community drop-in sessions are confirmed for the following times:
- Tuesday 16 June, from 9.30 am until 12.35 pm
- Tuesday 30 June, from 3.30 pm until 6.30 pm
Upon successful completion, this extensive highway overhaul will mark the latest achievement in a broader suite of infrastructure developments delivered under the umbrella of the wider city region programme.
The local council was previously awarded a total of £13.6 million from central funds to fortify the long-term reliability and structural resilience of crucial roads spanning the entire city footprint.
Prioritising Public Safety at a Heavily Congested Urban Intersection
The planned installation of upgraded pedestrian facilities follows sustained feedback from local community groups regarding the difficulties encountered when trying to navigate the junction on foot.
Councillor Dan Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, said:
“The safety of all road users is a priority to us, whether they’re driving, walking or wheeling.
“This is a particularly busy junction, and we know residents have raised concerns about how difficult it can be to cross safely.
“These upgrades will make a real difference for pedestrians and will help create a safer, more accessible environment for everyone who uses the high street.”
