Green light for cyclists' signals
WORK on a key route in Liverpool City
Centre which includes innovative traffic signals to help cyclists has been
completed. The £3.5m scheme on Leeds Street includes revolutionary new signals
at the junctions with Vauxhall Road and Pall Mall to help cyclists beat traffic.
A signal displaying a green bike comes on before the full green for other
traffic, allowing cyclists a 5 second head start on other vehicles. ThermiCam
detectors use video and thermal sensors to detect cyclists and distinguish them
from other vehicles, meaning the advance lights are not used when there are no
cyclists, avoiding delays to other road users.
This system combining thermal video technology and the advanced cycle signal is
thought to be one of the first to be used in UK and received a special
authorisation from the Department for Transport. This was designed by Amey
engineers based in The Matchworks, Speke.
It is part of a package of work to help reduce barriers for all road users and
pedestrians as well as improve connectivity both on and across the route.
Highways improvements include additional right turn lanes, new pedestrian
facilities at Pall Mall, resurfacing work, major street lighting improvements
and footway enhancements. The area on the south side of Leeds Street between
Vauxhall Road and Pall Mall has been dramatically transformed to provide a
modern off road cycle and pedestrian link, trees, planters and a Citybike
station.
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport,
said:- "This scheme will make a big difference to all road users, whether
they are motorists, pedestrians or cyclists. We are using the most up to date
technology to help cyclists. They will get a start on other traffic at the
signals which will not only help traffic flow but improve safety. This work will
improve links, by removing pinch points at junctions. It'll also increase the
capaCity of the Leeds Street route, which links North Liverpool with the City's
commercial district."
The scheme was designed, constructed and project managed by Amey on behalf of
the City Council and used local Speke based sub-contractor, King Construction
for the groundworks.
Mike Cafferkey, Amey Business Director for the North said:- "We are
delighted to have worked in partnership with Liverpool City Council and the
Department for Transport to make Liverpool one of leading cities in the UK to
install innovative new cycle signals, that use the most up-to-date technology to
ensure the safety of cyclists at some of the City's busiest junctions. The
completion of the scheme also helps improve transport links between North
Liverpool and the City's commercial district."
Funding was provided by the Regional Growth Fund and is part of successful bid
by the City Council for £25m for the North Liverpool City Fringe Investment and
Employment Programme.
