Kingsway Tunnel asbestos removal programme due to start in January 2027
Around 8,000 asbestos-backed panels are due to be removed from the Kingsway Tunnel under a £4.6m maintenance programme expected to begin in January 2027.
The work is expected to continue until July 2028. The contract could be extended until January 2029 if the programme takes longer than planned.
The panels weigh about 500 tonnes in total. Contractors will also remove associated brackets, fixtures and redundant cabling before cleaning and decontaminating the tunnel structure.
Most of the work is expected to take place during planned overnight closures. Merseytravel said further closures could be needed as the programme progresses, with details expected to be provided to tunnel users in advance.
The Kingsway Tunnel, also known as the Wallasey Tunnel, opened in 1971 and carries traffic between Liverpool and Wallasey. Merseytravel manages it on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The authority said it invested “millions of pounds” each year to keep the Mersey Tunnels network “safe, reliable and fit for the future”.
“The safety of Mersey Tunnel users and staff remains a top priority, and we will continue to keep tunnel users informed as the work progresses.”
The tunnel normally operates around the clock, although Merseytravel already uses overnight closures and restrictions for essential maintenance.
