Roads Minister Andrew Jones has said a "major upgrade" to roads around the Port of Liverpool will help boost economic growth and deliver a "Northern Powerhouse".

Two options are being explored to reduce congestion on the A5036, the main route between the motorway network and the Port:

• Upgrading the existing road focusing on 4 junctions at; Hawthorne Road, Netherton Way, Park Lane and Copy Lane

• Building a new road through the Rimrose Valley linking to the Broom's Cross Road (Thornton to Switch Island Link)

Peel Port's £300 million Liverpool2 development is expected to create 1,000 new jobs in the area, with 5,000 more in the wider supply chain.

Features of the project include adding a second railway line on the Bootle to Port link, increasing the line speed and improving signalling at Earlestown West.

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In addition, the new terminal will expand the port, allowing it to simultaneously handle two vessels carrying the equivalent of 13,000 containers each.

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: "We are determined to improve access to the Port of Liverpool so we can deliver a Northern Powerhouse by creating new jobs and an economic boost to the region.

"We have 2 options to upgrade the roads around the port and it is important we choose the right one for the community."

Warren Marshall, Group Planning Director at Peel Ports, added: "We welcome the Road Minister's commitment to improving access to the Port of Liverpool, especially as we approach the opening of Liverpool2, our £300 million deep-water container terminal. Upgraded road connections are essential but it's also important to recognise the benefits of other modes."

Following the visit to the Port of Liverpool, Minister Jones travelled to Ellesmere Port to see how construction work is progressing on a new £75 million biodiesel fuel production facility.

The plant being built by Argent Energy and will convert waste fats, oils and grease – which are often washed down the drain and block sewers - into renewable transport fuels.

A consultation on upgrading roads around the Port of Liverpool is expected to begin in autumn 2016, with works forecasted to start in spring 2020.

(LM/MH)