A562 Higher Road – Active Travel Corridor Improvement Scheme

The challenge

Higher Road faced rising traffic, limited cycling provision and outdated junction layouts that created safety and accessibility issues. The Baileys Lane roundabout caused congestion and offered poor crossing opportunities, while inconsistent road geometry encouraged higher speeds. The lack of a continuous protected cycle route discouraged active travel, and access to key destinations such as Finch Farm and Hale Village was restricted by insufficient crossing points and ageing infrastructure. A safer, modern and inclusive corridor was needed.

The solution

A comprehensive redesign was delivered to create a safer, more accessible corridor and unlock pedestrian and cycle connectivity between Hale Village, Finch Farm, Halewood neighbourhoods and nearby new developments. A segregated cycleway was introduced from Finch Lane to Leathers Lane, with a planned extension to Torrington Drive, providing continuous protected space for cyclists.

Junctions at Leathers Lane, Baileys Lane and Finch Lane were redesigned to incorporate signalised pedestrian and cycle crossings, improving safety, legibility and direct movement along the route. The Baileys Lane roundabout was replaced with a signalised junction to reduce conflict and improve capacity. On the approach, a horizontal alignment deflection was introduced as a speed management and gateway feature, designed to Manual for Streets SSD standards, with tree planting used to manage forward visibility.

Together, these measures deliver a coherent, high-quality active travel corridor that improves safety, accessibility and place quality for all users

The result

The improved corridor now provides a safer, more reliable and attractive route for all users and has been hailed by Active Travel England as an exemplar active travel scheme. Cyclists benefit from continuous, protected infrastructure, while pedestrians and disabled users gain safer and more frequent crossing opportunities. Redesigned junction layouts reduce conflict and improve traffic flow, and the horizontal deflection on the approach to Bailey Lane junction supports safer speeds and enhanced placemaking. Access to Finch Farm and Hale Village is more efficient, and the scheme actively encourages greater uptake of sustainable travel choices.