New CYCLOPS junction set to open in St Helens

Traffic and crossing signals are due to be switched on at midday on Monday, September 4, at the new junction, which has replaced the roundabout by the Bull and Dog pub on Marshalls Cross Road.

The roundabout previously had no safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The CYCLOPS forms part of the St Helens Southern Gateway to help make sustainable travel an easier choice for commuters who use Lea Green Railway Station, one of the borough's busiest stations.

The new junction has been much talked about because of the disruption caused by the lengthy roadworks, while other members of the public have raised concerns it will overly complicate the traffic system.

However, it is designed to boost safety for cyclists and road users.

Due to wet weather in August, the finishing touches are still being made to the cycling side of the scheme which is expected to be completed by today (Monday, September 11).

Minor works such as landscaping are still to be carried out subsequently that don't require traffic management.

How does CYCLOPS work?

The outer 'ring' of the junction - coloured green - is a cycle path, acting like a roundabout with signal-controlled crossings.

This will allow those who cycle to cross over the junction or make right turns unrestricted by cars or foot traffic, creating a safe route to travel.

The inner 'ring' of the junction - coloured red - is dedicated to pedestrians, with those walking and cycling getting the same green light signal in all directions at the same time, but on a separate ring of paths in the middle of the junction.

There are well-defined zebra crossings on each side of the junction to provide a safe place to cross the cycle lane for pedestrians.

All motorised traffic stops at the lights whilst cyclists and pedestrians have their green light signal.

Once pedestrians and cyclists have passed, motorised traffic will get the green light signal to continue driving and use the junction like normal.