Loop Line trail to be given a revamp

One of Liverpool’s key active travel corridors is to be given its first major upgrade since the start of the century.

Work began at the start of March to transform the historic Liverpool Loop Line, completed in 2000 after a 12-year reclamation programme, to encourage more residents to start using and enjoying it.

Laid out on a former disused railway that closed in 1964, the traffic-free route is on the National Cycle Network and forms part of the awardwinning Trans Pennine Trail. The hidden corridor winds through the suburban heartlands of the city, from Halewood in the south, to Aintree in the north, with more than half a million people living within 20 minutes of the trail.

Now Liverpool City Council, together with its partner Sustrans, has begun the task of updating thirty access points across the 11 mile track. The £500,000 scheme, supported by the EU through the Sustainable Urban Fund, as well as funding from the Department of Transport, has been designed to improve the route for people with wheelchairs, prams, mobility scooters and adapted cycles as well as horse riders. The upgrades include:

■ Removing old access barriers

■ Relocating other barriers, such as street lighting columns and litter bins

■ Introducing new bollards

■ Improving access for maintenance vehicles

■ Restoring dropped kerbs

■ Resurfacing paths and footways

■ Fencing improvements

■ Widening access paths

Some trees have also been removed along the route as part of the pre-works programme as roots were eroding the geologically important sandstone along the path, and causing a hazard through falling stones.

Resurfacing works at the southern arm of the Loop Line will begin at Belle Vale Road running to Lydiate Lane. This four week phase, which includes opening up access at Mill Lane. The overall scheme is due to be completed by June and forms part of Liverpool’s ambitious active travel programme.