MOTORISTS who use the East Lancs Road and Rainford Bypass are advised that further overnight and weekend road closures will be in place as part of the Windle Island Junction Improvement scheme.

Closures will start from Saturday, February 16 until Tuesday, February 26, ranging from the hours of 5am to 9pm to between the hours of 8pm and 6am. 

The closures are: 16-17 February (5am to 9pm) – A580 eastbound at Windle traffic lights. Diversion in place onto A570

21 February (8pm to 6am) – A580 westbound and Rainford Road. Tesco entrance and exit will remain open on Rainford Road.

22-23 February (8pm to 4am) – A580 eastbound A570 north and southbound with Crank Road.

23-24 February (5am to 9pm) – Access to Rainford Road from A570 southbound and A580 eastbound

25-26 February (8pm to 6am) – A580 eastbound, A570 north and southbound with Crank Road

A St Helens Council spokesman said: "The purpose of these closures is to allow critical works including drainage connection, as well as surfacing and white lining works, to be undertaken which are likely to introduce noise.

"Additional lighting may be necessary and will be directed away from homes where possible.

"The work is subject to weather conditions, particularly sensitive due to traffic management installation – and road users are advised to take alternative routes where possible, allowing extra journey time.

!Access to homes and businesses will be maintained at all times.

"Pedestrian access will also be maintained via the permanent crossing route; however a diversion of the existing pathway if needed will be installed around the construction works, suitably signed."

The £7m investment to improve Windle Island – which sees around 43,000 vehicles pass through a day – began in August to increase junction capacity, improve pedestrian safety, smooth traffic flow – and provide better access in and out of St Helens.

More than half of the scheme is being funded by the Local Growth Fund through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Single Investment Fund after it was approved by the LCR Combined Authority following a successful business case submission to address key issues in St Helens, and to support economic growth in the wider city region.