Several roads throughout the Wirral are to be closed throughout April and May due to a planned upgrade to the local energy network.
SP Energy Networks has started a £3m upgrade to the electricity network in Birkenhead which will they say will ensure a 'safe, reliable and resilient' supply of electricity for people living in the area for the foreseeable future. The project will replace overhead powerlines with underground cables between the Birkenhead and Prenton grid energy substations.
The company say their works have been scheduled specifically to minimise potential disruption. The first will begin on the week beginning April 18 and will be complete in late June.
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During this period, the following road closures are planned to be in place:
- Melford Drive: 18 – 22 April
- Prenton Dell Road: 25 April – 13 May
- Woodchurch Road (outer lane and centre lane closed): 14 – 15 May (weekend)
- Woodchurch Road (both centre lanes closed): 16 May – 24 June
- Woodchurch Road (centre lane and outer lane closed): 25 – 26 June (weekend)
The second phase of the works will be confirmed at a later stage, though are expected to last three weeks. The second phase of the works will be located in Prenton Dell Road.
Further work is also planned for September near Woodchurch Road. However, these have not been confirmed yet.
Mark Sobczak, General Manager at SP Energy Networks, said: "This significant investment and major upgrade will strengthen the existing electricity network in Birkenhead and provide a more resilient network. It also supports the network of the future as the region shifts to greener energy solutions, which requires a modern network capable of supporting increased demands.
"We are working closely with Wirral Council to minimise the disruption to the local community wherever possible.”
A spokesperson for Wirral Council said: “This is a significant investment to upgrade the electricity network around Prenton and the wider Birkenhead area. When major works such as this take place we know it can disrupt our communities and we appreciate the patience and support shown by residents and passers-by. To try and keep disruption to a minimum, the council is working closely with SP Energy Networks to ensure the works are planned and co-ordinated around other scheduled works, including the council’s annual roads programme.”
