Drop in event discussing CYCLOPS junction works to take place today

In November last year, work started in Lea Green on the roundabout close to the Bull and Dog pub to install the Liverpool City Region's first Cycle Optimised Protected Signals (CYCLOPS) junction - which claims 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 is 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 aimed at helping to make sustainable travel an easier choice for commuters who use Lea Green Railway Station.

Works are scheduled to be completed on Monday, September 4, in light of this, and as part of ongoing public engagement relating to the scheme, 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 tomorrow from 2pm to 4pm and from 5pm to 7pm.

Project contractor, Huyton Asphalt, will be on hand to answer any questions and run through how the CYCLOPS works.

Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron, St Helens 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 CYCLOPS, 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."

The CYCLOPS drop-in information event will take place in Chester Lane Library on Wednesday, August 30, 2pm-4pm and 5pm-7pm.

For more information on the CYCLOPS, visit sthelens.gov.uk/cyclops