GRAHAM are proud to have made Liverpool City Council’s improvement scheme for phase 1 of The Strand a reality.

The city now boasts a safer tree lined highway, with a dedicated cycle lane. The public space has been increased and improved with cycle stands, planters and feature benches. The pavements are now safer and smarter and are befitting to the grandeur of The Strand.

→ Cycle Lane

Controlled through a series of traffic lights the cycle lane now runs from Salthouse Quay at the entrance to Albert Dock through to Bath Street on the northbound side, and also connects to the existing cycling facilities on Water Street, southbound. The temporary two-way designated cycle lane between Albert Dock and Mann Island will be completed during Phase 2 of The Strand scheme.

→ Tree Planting

The Sustainable Urban Drainage system (SuDs) forms part of the EU Horizon 2020 URBAN GreenUP; a global research and innovation project that is helping to deliver aspects of the Mersey Forest Plan in Liverpool. The primary purpose of the SuDs is to demonstrate the impact on water flow and water quality. The innovative SuDs being used on The Strand will reduce the pressure on the grids and gullies during periods of heavy rainfall. This reduces the need for excess water to go into the drainage system, alleviating flooding.

→ Whilst working on The Strand, GRAHAM have:

  • Used Local labour, achieving levels above 75% throughout
  • Hired 5 people who were with us for work placements
  • Provided 6 apprentice opportunities
  • Provided year out and summer placements to 7 university students
  • Supported local causes with volunteering and charitable donations
  • Supported local businesses by procuring locally whenever possible
  • Cut our CO2 emissions on site by 72%
  • Worked towards our target to recycle/reuse 100% of our waste

Dave Brown, Director for Highways for GRAHAM said:

“We are delighted to have delivered the first phase of this flagship highways project, which will radically transform Liverpool city centre’s transport links and enhance the city’s major routes, benefitting motorists, cyclists and
pedestrians alike.

“This is The Strand’s first redevelopment since the 1950s. Previously the route has suffered from gridlocked traffic at peak times, and we hope the simplified design will relieve congestion and improve traffic flow.

“The Liverpool City Centre Connectivity is a flagship project for us and it has been fantastic to see the successful delivery of this phase of works. I’d like to thank the project team and associated stakeholders for their hard work in delivering this project and helping to impact travel in Liverpool.”

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet member for Climate Emergency, Transport and Environment, said:

“We are delighted that all of the major highways elements required for phase one of The Strand redesign are now complete.

“Given the location and scale of the redesign, this has been a hugely complex scheme and we are immensely grateful for your patience. It has been a frustrating time for motorists, bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. And for that we apologise. We hope that all road users can now appreciate the benefits of the works.”

Mersey Forest Director, Paul Nolan said:

“This is a great opportunity to gain real time data on water flow through Tree SUDs in a prominent part of the city. There were a range of innovative features delivered by GRAHAM to enable the monitoring to take place. The preliminary results appear to be exciting and we are looking forward to continued work with GRAHAM on this project to maximise the value and impact of the findings as they emerge.”

A final word from Sharon Mathews:

“On behalf of the whole team at GRAHAM, I would like to thank all the businesses and residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the works. I am delighted to have played my part in making our city centre an even better place to live and work.

“I wish you all a merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2022.”

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