Chaos at Switch Island as car takes out traffic light control system

Sefton Council is asking motorists who regularly use Switch Island to ensure they plan their journeys well in advance this week while contractors work quickly to restore traffic flow in the area.

It follows a road traffic accident over the weekend which completely destroyed a signal control box in the area. 

As a result emergency traffic control measures have been put in place to keep motorists safe while the issue is resolved.

It is expected new equipment will be ready for installation overnight and normal traffic flow will be restored by Tuesday, May 10th.

The main routes affected are:

A59 towards Bootle
M58 towards Bootle
A5758 Brooms Cross Road towards Switch Island

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Due to the significant damage sustained to the signal control box we are unable to repair and refurbish the equipment and a new one is now having to be built.

“We are working with colleagues at National Highways and Siemens to resolve the situation as soon as possible and further safety assessments are being carried out today (Monday May 9th).

“We are hopeful that the new equipment will be installed by tomorrow morning (Tuesday May 10th), however we would ask motorists to avoid the area if at all possible in the meantime.

“If you do still need to travel through Switch Island, please plan your journeys in advance and be prepared for some delays to your journeys.”