Plans have been revealed for a new £3 million motorway junction improvement scheme in Merseyside.

The upgrades will be carried out at Switch Island, where the M57, M58 and 3 A roads all join together. The junction is seen as an accident blackspot, following 49 collisions in the past two years.

The scheme is designed to improve the flow of traffic and enhance safety. Features include new traffic lights at a height of over five metres, as well as changes to the road layout and lane markings, new barriers between carriageways, coloured high friction surfaces and better signs.

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The Government's £220m congestion relief programme, which was announced by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling last month, is being used to fund the development. Construction is set to begin next year.

Bruce Parker, Asset Development Manager at Highways England, said: "We're delighted we've been able to secure funding from the government for this scheme, and can now carry out the detailed design and planning work before construction starts next year.

"The improvements we're making at Switch Island will improve journeys and safety at the junction, benefitting the tens of thousands of drivers who travel through it every day."

Jerry McConkey, Transportation and Highway Infrastructure Service Manager at Sefton Council, said:

"We've been working with Highways England and Merseyside Police over the last 12 months to investigate the issues at Switch Island and to develop these improvement proposals.

"It is great news that Highways England has secured this funding and we will continue working with them to improve the junction and make it safer for everyone using it."

(LM)