Osborne has won an £18 million contract to create a new 2.7km dual carriageway in Liverpool.

The contractor will widen the A565 (Great Howard Street/Derby Road) as part of the city council's wider £250m Better Roads programme.

In addition, the scheme will allow for a major revamp of the historic Regent Road to take place, creating a more pedestrian and bike friendly environment with a continuous cycle route from Crosby to Liverpool.

The three-phase scheme will be delivered as follows;

• Phase 1 – between King Edward Street and Blackstone Street – new dual carriageway section

• Phase 2 – between Bankhall Street to Millers Bridge – new dual carriageway section

• Phase 3 – Improvements to Regent Road – new cycle and pedestrian facilities

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The scheme will be complemented by the creation of a new £20m waterfront link road at the city centre end of the A565.

Cllr Malcom Kennedy said: "I'm delighted a company committed to engaging local Liverpool supply partners has won this contract as we are very keen to ensure Liverpool's regeneration stimulates the local economy at every level.

"The A565 is a vital artery in North Liverpool and making it a full dual carriageway is part of a much wider plan to improve the transport infrastructure and stimulate a long overdue renaissance in our Atlantic Corridor.

"I'm especially excited by the fact that this scheme will give Regent Road a completely new lease of life. It will also provide a solid platform for the Ten Streets creativity zone to flourish and prosper."

John Dowsett, Managing Director – Infrastructure at Osborne, added: "This award is highly significant in our business strategy as we continue to target opportunities with forward thinking Local Authorities who recognise the importance and value of a collaborative approach with their partners and suppliers.

"This project presents another excellent opportunity to support our public authority customers in the on-going challenge of delivering increasing highway capacity within reducing capital and operational budgets."

(LM/MH)