St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved over £6m in funding to improve the borough’s highways network over the next year to support growth opportunities in St Helens and wider City Region.

Made up from a variety of different funding pots, including the council’s highways revenue budget and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority contribution, the money – totalling £6,900,100 – will facilitate maintenance and improvement to the highway infrastructure – such as road safety schemes at A580 Blindfoot Road and Rainhill Stoops, as well as the delivery of active travel measures across the borough.   

St Helens Borough Council is responsible for more than 480 miles of adopted highway and is committed to investing resources into this important asset.    

During the past year alone, the council has successfully achieved several key projects, including:   

• The completion of the new £6.8m Pewfall Junction to increase safety for all road users and improve access to key growth sites   

• Installation of 3,422 LED street lighting lanterns across 833 streets 
  
     
• Drainage improvements at flooding hotspots during and after Storm Christoph   

The latest funding will also help tackle potholes and resurfacing problems at a number of locations, including a considerable investment to support local businesses based at East Side Industrial Estate in the town centre ward by carrying out road improvement works.   

The funding is not just about the benefit of car users – it will also see improvements to walking and cycling routes and safer school commutes – helping address air quality issues and improve resident’s health.   

Meanwhile, money has been allocated to allow the council to continue its successful Better Lighting in Sustainable Streets (BLISS) scheme that enhances energy efficiency of street lighting – and invest further flood mitigation measure at College Street.   

Welcoming the funding, Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Residents and businesses of our borough want to see improvements made to our road network, which is why we are committed to creating a well-connected, safe and accessible transport and digital networks across the borough, whether you drive, cycle or walk.    

“Despite a significant reduction in funding compared to what was made available last year, the council continues to do all it can to make sure our road network is maintained to a high standard, not just for today but looking to the future, as we work to create safe and strong communities and  support a strong, thriving, and well-connected local economy.”