We have been made aware of some concerns circulating regarding the ongoing work on Higher Road in Halewood. Here is an update on the work that’s happening right now, what will be delivered and what has already happened.
Why is an Active Travel Corridor being installed in Halewood?
The Active Travel Corridor along the A562 Higher Road is part of a £30 million investment into Halewood which aims to create a sustainable neighbourhood where residents have access to recreation and leisure facilities, sustainable transport connections and an improved retail offer.
In January 2024 Knowsley Council undertook a consultation with residents seeking views on plans for this major investment. In total, 785 responses were received, with 180 residents attending in-person events.
67% of respondents supported proposed connectivity improvements, including the development of new separate cycle paths and footpaths to improve links across the town, linking residential areas to the shopping centre, leisure centre, Grace Park, Finch Woods and also nearby employment areas.
What work is ongoing?
Work commenced in October 2025 to deliver Active Travel improvements along the A562 Higher Road from Leathers Lane to Torrington Drive. This includes the installation of a new segregated cycleway immediately next to the roadway on the southern side of the A562. We would like to thank residents for their patience while these improvements are being delivered.
The Active Travel Corridor will provide improved pedestrian and cycling facilities, linking shopping, leisure and green space amenities in Halewood. It will also connect the East of Halewood residential development at the junction with Finch Lane to the Trans Pennine Trail. The current phase of work is expected to be completed in the spring.
A number of key highways infrastructure works have been completed in Halewood in recent years to help improve road safety and improve traffic flow in the town.
This work is part of a wider £30 million investment into Halewood.
As Halewood grows from the East of Halewood housing development and new investment the work being delivered is helping to enhance highways capacity, reduce congestion and make travel safer and more accessible to everyone.
There were some significant delays experienced last week (week commencing 5 January), what was that due to?
As with any road improvement works, delays and disruptions are unavoidable at times and whilst we do work hard to try to minimise disruption there can be issues experienced, especially in difficult weather conditions.
Unfortunately last week we experienced snow fall and icy road conditions. Despite regular gritting rounds this did result in more difficult driving conditions and delays to journeys. These conditions, coupled with the work on site which included lane closures and people returning to work and school after Christmas, did result in traffic issues in Halewood. A review of traffic management was undertaken and changes implemented to alleviate issues in response to the concerns raised.
What is the latest situation on site?
Despite the recent poor weather, Council contractors were able to complete the removal and reconstruction of the two small pedestrian central reserve areas at the junction of Higher Road and Wood Road. The completion of these works has meant that Torrington Drive has now been reopened to two-way traffic, helping to improve traffic flow in the area.
Is there an issue with the new width of the road?
Some people raised concerns over the width of the new road and suggested that it is too narrow. Please rest assured, with any changes to the highway network there are minimum design standards that have to be adhered to and the Higher Road scheme has been designed so that it exceeds these minimum design standards. Furthermore it has been subject to extensive safety assessments.
What has already been delivered as part of the Active Travel improvements?
The previous phase of works, delivered between Finch Lane and Leathers Lane, was completed in July, 13 weeks ahead of schedule.
The initial works included:
- The introduction of a new segregated cycleway along Higher Road from Finch Lane to Leathers Lane
- The removal of the Higher Road / Baileys Lane roundabout and the creation of a new traffic signalised junction, which will improve junction capacity, improve safety and provide pedestrian and cycling crossing facilities
- A realignment of the carriageway and introduction of an enhanced central reserve between the junctions with Finch Lane and Baileys Lane. This will reduce traffic speeds, improve safety and new landscaped areas
Before/After
Before/After
- The installation of new traffic signals with pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at Finch Lane, promoting road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as improving vehicular access to and from Everton Football Club’s Finch Farm training facility and Hale Village
- General infrastructure improvements have also been completed
- Landscaping works are also being completed between Finch Lane and Baileys Lane and will include a new entry feature as well as numerous new trees and vegetation to mitigate the loss of some trees in the earlier phase of works.
What other work is planned?
In the coming months, the junction at Wood Road will also be remodelled to include upgraded pedestrian and new cycle facilities.
The works are scheduled to be completed in spring 2026.
How are the works being funded?
Funding for the Higher Road improvement works has been secured from UK Government, the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Travel Settlement and S106 contributions from developers involved in the East of Halewood development.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Residents have been extremely patient while extensive improvement works have been taking place in Halewood. Active Travel improvements provide a host of benefits; improving people’s health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and pollution and making the local area more accessible to a wider range of people. Our vision is for Halewood to become accessible by foot, bike or wheelchair and we want residents from all corners of the town to enjoy the improved facilities that are being created. “