Major Upgrade and Nighttime Closures Announced for Queensway (Birkenhead) Tunnel
In an effort to enhance the infrastructure and improve customer experience, a significant £11 million project is set to commence at the Queensway Tunnel. The project aims to upgrade various crucial electrical equipment, including the replacement of existing lighting with an energy-efficient LED system.
Effective from Monday, June 5, 2023, the Queensway Tunnel will remain operational during daytime hours but will undergo nightly closures between 21:00 hours and 06:30 hours to facilitate the essential upgrade works. These closures will be implemented seven days a week and are anticipated to extend over an extended period, allowing for substantial investment in the tunnel.
The decision to conduct these works during nighttime hours was made to minimize the impact on customers, as traffic volume during this period is typically at its lowest. For those who rely on the Queensway Tunnel overnight, the Kingsway (Wallasey) Tunnel will remain open throughout the upgrade project, ensuring minimal disruption to the traveling public. It is essential to close the tunnel each night as it is not possible to safely conduct the necessary works while keeping the tunnel open. By implementing nightly closures, the project can be carried out swiftly and efficiently, while also ensuring clear communication with customers.
Some minor exceptions may be made to the closure schedule. For instance, closures may be delayed to accommodate individuals returning home from nighttime football fixtures involving Everton or Liverpool playing at home, or for significant events taking place in the city. However, aside from such exceptions, Queensway Tunnel will close at 21:00 hours every evening and reopen at 06:30 hours the following morning, seven days a week.
These essential investment works aim to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the Queensway Tunnel. While the closures may cause temporary inconvenience, they are necessary to ensure the timely completion of the project and deliver a more resilient infrastructure for the benefit of all tunnel users.
