The Central Expressway has been closed in both directions at the Lodge Lane junction since 30 November 2015.

Hugh O'Connor, General Manager of Merseylink, said that this reopening "is one of the most significant parts of the road reconfigurations taking place across the entire project".

Upgrading and remodelling the road infrastructure is a key part of the Mersey Gateway Project. The aim is to create a 7-kilometre link road to connect the new bridge to the national motorway network.

When it is finished, there will be a new free-flowing north to south route that links the new bridge and the Central Expressway with Weston Link and on to the M56 Junction 12. Local residents or those working around the area will benefit from the project. Native trees, wildflowers and grass species will be planted as part of an extensive landscaping scheme.