Broom's Cross Road is now open to traffic

The newly completed A5758 Broom's Cross Road is now open to traffic, as of 8pm last night, Wednesday 19 August. The 2.8 mile (4.5km) single carriageway road which links Thornton to Switch Island is expected to reduce peak hour journey times by as much as seven minutes.

The traffic queued for an hour to be some of the first vehicles to drive on the road.

Watch the Formby Bubble video of the new road from Ince woods through to the M57 and back on the opening night at approximately 9pm.

Video of the new road from Ince Woods through to the M57 and back

The new road will relieve congestion in the Netherton and Thornton areas as well as providing motorists with improved access to the national motorway network at Switch Island.

Sefton Council, main contractor Balfour Beatty and their sub-contractors have made every effort to complete the works to the highest possible standard.

Sefton based companies have benefited from £2.4m worth of work during the construction of the road. In addition, 71 Sefton residents were employed on the site.

Over 200 new street lights have been installed along the length of the road. together with over 1,200 metres of new footpaths.

Construction of the road has also resulted in environmental improvements to the area, including the creating of four new wildlife ponds and the planting of 39,000 new trees and shrubs.

The new road is named after Broom's Cross, the site of a medieval wayside cross near Thornton. The Cross was a stopping point for funeral processions en route to St Mary's Church in Sefton village.

Brooms Cross which is Approximately 67 Metres from Junction with Back Lane, Thornton

Brooms Cross which is Approximately 67 Metres from Junction with Back Lane, Thornton

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: "Like most people in Sefton, I am very pleased that this much needed road is now open. The Broom's Cross Road will improve transport links across Sefton and will benefit the area both economically and environmentally.

“All through the construction phase the Council encouraged our main contractor Balfour Beatty to support local businesses and where possible to employ local people on site."

The opening ceremony on Wednesday 19th August 2015 - Photo by Sefton Council

The opening ceremony on Wednesday 19th August 2015 - Photo by Sefton Council

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said: "We have been taking about the need for a link road for more than 50 years, so I am really pleased to see that the road is now open to traffic. As is often the case with large projects such as this, we came up against some unexpected difficulties but still managed to complete the scheme broadly on budget.

"The new road will provide faster journey times for motorists and will also improve the quality of life for local residents by reducing congestion and traffic noise."

Peter Commins, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s North West Delivery Unit, said: “Balfour Beatty are delighted to have been involved in the design and construction of the new Broom's Cross Road, which will bring genuine benefits to the communities of Netherton, Thornton and Sefton.

"Through a whole team effort, construction of the project has provided jobs for local people, promoted local economic growth and offered opportunities for nearby schools, community groups and charities. It will leave a lasting legacy which everyone can be proud of.”

The opening ceremony on Wednesday 19th August 2015 - Photo by Sefton Council