Tarbock Island road closures to last into January

Drivers are facing further disruption at a major Merseyside roundabout, with two motorway slip roads set to remain closed until January.

Overnight closures are also in place at Tarbock Island, at junction six of the M62 in Knowsley, until 13 November while resurfacing work is carried out.

The improvement scheme, which began in March 2024, has prompted complaints from residents and businesses, with one trader saying customers were giving up trying to reach him.

Knowsley Council said it expected the roundabout to fully reopen by mid-January 2027 and the work would eventually help reduce journey times.

• M57 southbound exit: Closed until January 2027. Drivers approaching from Prescot and Kirkby are being diverted along the M57 to the Knowsley Expressway (A5300) before returning to Tarbock Island
• M62 eastbound exit at junction six: Closed until January 2027. Drivers travelling from Liverpool are being diverted to junction seven before returning westbound
• Eastern side of Tarbock Island: Overnight closures between 20:00 and 05:00 GMT until 13 November for resurfacing and finishing work

The overnight closures affect the section of the roundabout from Cronton Road, near Aldi, to the A5300 northbound exit, which will remain open.

During the day, the eastern side of the roundabout will be reduced to a single lane.

The council said the M62 eastbound exit slip road would be opened overnight for traffic travelling west along Cronton Road towards Huyton only.

Residents and businesses have expressed frustration over the continuing disruption.

Local business owner, Mark told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that customers were giving up trying to reach his premises because of the roadworks.

Another person wrote on Facebook: "That roundabout has been disrupting local residents for years with constant closed junctions."

Knowsley Council said the scale of the project meant the work had to be carried out in phases to keep traffic moving.

A spokesperson said: "We expect that Tarbock Island will be fully re-opened by mid-January and if it is possible to open the roundabout sooner, we will of course do so."

The authority said the completed scheme would increase the number of lanes approaching the roundabout and improve traffic flow.

It said the improvements would also support developments expected to bring about 2,000 jobs to the borough.

Drivers have been advised to plan ahead, allow more time for their journeys or use alternative routes where possible.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.