Thousands invested as work completed on Liverpool’s ‘magic corridor’
Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been invested into Liverpool’s active travel “magic corridor.”
The historic Liverpool Loop Line, laid out on a former disused railway that closed in 1964, was originally finished in 2000 after a 12-year reclamation programme but many of its access points proved to be a barrier. Now Liverpool Council, together with its partner Sustrans, has completed the six-month task of updating 15 entrances along the 11 mile traffic-free route to improve accessibility for all users.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to benefit from the upgrade, especially those with wheelchairs, prams, mobility scooters and adapted cycles as well as horse riders.
The final section of the fully revamped route welcomed its maiden passengers on Thursday, including Cllr Dan Barrington, Liverpool Council cabinet member for transport and connectivity and Liverpool City Region active travel commissioner, Simon O’Brien.
The £500,000 scheme, which is a key element of Liverpool’s Active Travel programme, was part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Liverpool City Region (LCRCA) Transforming Cities Fund and the Department for Transport through Sustrans’ England-wide programme to create Paths for Everyone.
The hidden corridor winds through the suburban heartlands of the city, from Halewood in the south, to Aintree in the north, with more than half a million people living within 20 minutes of the trail. The route is also on the National Cycle Network and forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail, with connections at Aintree taking people through to Southport.
The upgrades to the line included removing old access barriers, relocating elements like street lighting columns and litter bins, resurfacing, restoration of dropped kerbs and fencing improvements. Some trees were removed along the route as part of the pre-works programme as roots were eroding the geologically important sandstone along the path, and causing a hazard through falling stones.
Dowhigh Ltd and Huyton Asphalt, as well as Colas Ltd, delivered the scheme who are all working on a number of road schemes under the council’s Highways Investment Programme.
Cllr Barrington said: “The Liverpool Loop Line is like a magical corridor. It’s in the city, but it makes you feel like you’re in the country. It’s a fantastic part of our active travel infrastructure and is arguably one of the best kept cycling secrets in Britain.
“Unfortunately, the Loop Line was not accessible to everyone and I’m delighted we’ve addressed that through this investment, removing the old barriers and making the access points much more inclusive and safer for people of all abilities. Its completion is going to be a game-changer for our residents and for visitors, giving them a free and healthy experience full of wonder and discovery that few other cities can match.”
Mr O’Brien added: “The Loop Line has been my favourite way of getting across Liverpool for years. Now this fantastic green corridor is properly accessible to everyone such as wheelchair users and pram and buggy pushers. Great stuff Liverpool Council and Sustrans.
“Whether commuting or taking a leisurely wander, the Loop Line is even better than ever.”
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