Huge excavation at Gores Lane crossroads continues as Formby road closure is extended again

Residents and motorists in Formby are facing further disruption as the major excavation at the crossroads of Gores Lane, Old Town Lane and Piercefield Road continues, with the latest official information now showing closures remaining in place until Friday 14 August.

The works have already been causing problems in the area since the middle of July and, when Formby Bubble last reported on the situation on 28 July, the information available on one.network stated that the works were expected to continue only until 11.59pm on Wednesday 30 July.

That date has now passed, but far from being completed, the scale of the excavation remains substantial.

New photographs from the site show a large section of the road dug out, heavy machinery still in position, extensive pipework and pumping equipment operating within the excavation.

Residents have told Formby Bubble that a pump has been operating around the clock, while there have also been complaints about a particularly unpleasant smell coming from the works.

The disruption is especially significant because of the location of the excavation at the junction, affecting traffic using several roads in this part of Formby.

According to the latest roadworks information, the current closures affect Gores Lane, Old Town Lane and Piercefield Road, with the restrictions listed as being in force 24 hours a day.

The work is being carried out on behalf of United Utilities Water and is officially described as utility repair and maintenance work. The works on Old Town Lane and Piercefield Road have also been categorised by one.network as mains renewal.

The latest permits now give an end date of 11.59pm on Friday 14 August, meaning residents are facing another week of disruption beyond the completion date previously indicated when we reported on the works.

However, looking at the sheer scale of the excavation still visible at the crossroads, residents may understandably be wondering whether the road can realistically be repaired, resurfaced and reopened within the latest timescale.

Emergency access is being maintained throughout the closure and the permits have been granted by Sefton Council as the highway authority.

For residents who have already endured weeks of disruption, the big question now is whether Friday 14 August will finally see the roads reopen, or whether the works will have to be extended yet again.

Formby Bubble will continue to monitor the situation and update residents if the scheduled reopening date changes.