CYCLOPS junction: public information events listed
Ahead of the opening of the junction’s scheduled opening next week, an information event will be held to allow residents the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the pioneering project.
St Helens Borough Council says the new road format will “significantly enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging more active travel journeys”.
Works on the site at Marshalls Cross Road, which has traditionally been known as the Bull and Dog roundabout due to its position next to the pub of that name, have been controversial due to disruption caused to motorists, residents and nearby businesses.[1]
What is the CYLCOPS junction
Work started in November last year on plans to install the the region’s first Cycle Optimised Protected Signals (CYCLOPS) junction.
The local authority says the layout is being implemented in more and more cities and towns across the country.
Its aim is to prioritise the safety of pedestrians and cyclists by segregating them from motorists, reducing risk of collision and improving journey times for all road users.
The CYCLOPS forms part of the £15m St Helens Southern Gateway scheme, a partnership between St Helens Borough Council, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Northern Rail to help make sustainable travel an easier choice for commuters who use Lea Green Railway Station, one of the borough’s busiest stations.
The council has held information drop-in events to inform local residents on the CYCLOPS, with the latest set to take place in Chester Lane Library after the August Bank Holiday.
Officers from St Helens Borough Council and project contractor, Huyton Asphalt, will be on hand to answer any questions and run through how the CYCLOPS works.
‘Significant improvement’ – say council
In a statement Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for strategic transport, said: “The CYCLOPS has, without doubt, been the most significant junction improvement scheme we have carried out in recent years and has attracted a lot of attention among residents, which is why we have made a conscious effort to hold events like this and provide regular updates as works progress – particularly to those living or working close to the site.
“I, like many others, am pleased to see that the scheme is close to an end and looking forward to seeing it in use.
“It’s not as complicated as some fear, for it’s like a normal signalised junction for cars but prioritises the safety of pedestrians and cyclists by segregating them from motorists, reducing risk of collision and improving journey times for all road users.
“Those on foot are able to get to where they need to be in just a few steps, meaning motorists don’t need to sit in traffic for as long, so a win all around.
“There have been a lot of misconceptions about CYLCOPS, so I’d encourage residents to attend this drop-in event to find out the benefits of this project, which helps us with our decarbonisation commitments and supports our recently adopted road safety strategy to ensure our highway network is safe and accessible for all.”
When are the events?
The CYCLOPS drop-in information event will take place in Chester Lane Library on Wednesday, August 30, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7pm.
Subject to weather conditions, the council says the CYCLOPS is expected to open to traffic on Monday, September 4, with minor works still being carried out subsequently that don’t require traffic management.
References
- ^ controversial due to disruption caused to motorists, residents and nearby businesses. (www.sthelensstar.co.uk)
- ^