A busy junction that was the scene of a tragic crash that killed a 21-year-old man just a day after his birthday is set to undergo major work to make it more safe.
Reece James Clarke was involved in a crash on Menlove Avenue in Allerton on April 23 last year when his motorbike collided with a blue Ford Transit van.
The 21-year-old was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after the crash but died two days later , his birthday sadly falling between the crash and his death.
Reece was travelling home from the first day of a new job when the tragic crash occured.
The tragic accident was one of a number that have occured at the junction between Menlove Avenue and Cromptons Lane.
Now Liverpool Council has announced that the busy junction where the crash took place will undergo a huge safety upgrade.
The works include new traffic signals, introducing a pedestrian crossing and a new designated right turn lane in both directions on Menlove Avenue, which became world famous as the road on which ex-Beatle John Lennon lived with his Aunt Mimi.
The £500,000 scheme, which is part of a wider £3.7m highways safety improvement programme across the city, is expected to complete in May.
It is estimated that the works, which also includes new highway drainage, road markings, street lighting and resurfacing the existing carriageway, will require the removal of approximately 10 trees, which will begin on Monday, 13 January.
This loss will be compensated with the planting of more than 50 new trees in the area - as part of Liverpool City Council’s commitment to replant at least three trees for every one removed.
Some of these trees will be planted in the new junction layout with the remainder planted along the breadth of Menlove Avenue where circumstances allow.
Due to the nature of the works, access and egress onto the footways will be restricted and at times will need to be controlled and on occasions for health and safety reasons, the footway may need to be closed.
Councillor Sharon Connor, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said : “The Menlove Avenue and Cromptons Lane junction needs a major upgrade. Its safety track record is far from satisfactory and these works will make a huge difference to everyone using it.
“The feedback from the local community has been positive and I’m delighted that the tree planting scheme will hugely offset the loss of the ones we need to remove to make these safety improvements.”
Speaking after Reece's death in April, his family said: "He will be remembered for being a lovely, caring, generous young man. His passion in life was gaming and social media, but he always made time for his family.
“Reece had the most outgoing personality and he was loved by everyone."
