Plans for a new tunnel and junction at a key gateway into Liverpool has had a major boost after key government funding was approved.
Liverpool Council's£120m proposals for the Rocket Junction would see the Queen's Drive Flyover torn down and replaced with a roundabout for local traffic while a new tunnel would connect the M62 to the city.
The Department for Transport have now agreed to contribute £1.23m towards the development of a business case for the project.
The junction is the busiest in the Liverpool City Region with more than 100,000 vehicles travelling through it every day.
The council has also said that the removal of the flyover could create space for a "significant landmark".
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said he was "greatly encouraged" by the DfT funding.
He said: “The Outline Business Case is a major stepping stone and to have this initial backing is a significant signal that the government recognises the economic and environmental importance of this scheme.
“As we all know, the M62 junction is causing commuter misery every single day and by its flawed design is causing congestion and contributing to greater air pollution.”
The council predicts the newly configures junction would lead to faster travel times and less congestion at the Rocket.
Cabinet member for highways Sharon Connor said: “We need the M62 to work for Liverpool and the wider city region and with this funding we can now develop the case in detail.
“This is a scheme that will certainly unleash huge benefits for all concerned be they commuters, businesses, residents and visitors to our city and I look forward to presenting the final evidence to government.”
Inspections of Queens Drive flyover showed it was in need of "significant investment" to secure its future long term but under the council's scheme it would be removed.
The existing signalised junction would then be changed so that there would be new traffic light junctions for those travelling on Queens Drive and the link to the M62 would be taken through the roundabout in an underpass.
The system is called a "hamburger" junction, where the main road passes through the centre of the roundabout.
Peter Molyneux, Major Roads Director at Transport for the North, said: “We’re delighted that this scheme is being funded for the next stage of development, and look forward to continuing our work with Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region.
“As the busiest junction in Liverpool, with more than 100,000 vehicles travelling through it each day, this is an essential upgrade project that will have significant benefits for all road users. As well as bringing journey times down locally it will also have a positive impact on the wider motorway network and support Liverpool’s ambitious growth plans.”
