Switch Island
Switch Island | |||
Location Map ( geo) | |||
Traffic on Switch Island | |||
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Location | |||
Aintree | |||
County | |||
Lancashire | |||
Highway Authority | |||
National Highways | |||
Junction Type | |||
Modified Roundabout | |||
Roads Joined | |||
M57, M58, A59, A5036, A5758 | |||
Switch Island is a non-standard at-grade junction between several A-roads and two motorways to the north of Liverpool. Originally it opened in 1935 as a simple T-Junction between the A59 and A567 (now the A5036). In the 1950s this was upgraded into a roundabout and then was rebuilt for the M57 which opened in 1972. This was built with provision for additional grade-separated free-flow movements between the M57 and the then-unbuilt M58, both of which are still incomplete and provisionally end at this point. An interim layout was opened in 1980, along with the M58, although as traffic volumes rose modifications were hastily provided to the junction.
Initially, this was simply the provision of a through link between the A5036 and A59, creating a hamburger roundabout. By the turn of the 21st century this too was proving inadequate and a cut through from the M57 was created, whilst at the same time eliminating part of the circulatory carriageway to remove redundant movements.
This was then changed once again to allow provision of the A5758 in 2015. The roundabout is now virtually unrecognisable from what was opened in 1980, yet congestion is still a problem at this location.
With the focus on improvements to the Strategic Road Network, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a wider ranging improvement is considered for the junction as Bootle Docks are served by it, and the congestion has a negative impact on the national economy as a result.
History
Routes
Route | To | Notes |
Kirkby, Liverpool (S) & Airport, Birmingham (M6), Manchester (M62) | ||
Skelmersdale, Preston (M6) | ||
Ormskirk, Southport (A570) | ||
Liverpool | ||
Bootle, All Docks | ||
Southport, Formby (A565), Thorton, Sefton, Crosby | ||
Bootle, All Docks | ||
Southport, Formby (A565), Thorton, Sefton, Crosby | ||
Liverpool |
Links
Roads.org.uk
legislation.gov.uk
- The A5036 Trunk Road (Switch Island West Curve) (Detrunking) Order 2016 - This Order has the effect of detrunking a section of the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road forming the western half of the original layout junction of the M57 and M58 special roads with the A5036 trunk road and A59 principal roads known as Switch Island.
Switch Island | ||||
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