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A multi million pound roadwork project which has caused months of delays for motorists has been completed - and is set to benefit cyclists with a high tech bike friendly traffic light system.

The £3.5m scheme on Leeds Street, a key route into Liverpool city centre, includes revolutionary new signals at the junctions with Vauxhall Road and Pall Mall to help cyclists beat traffic.

A signal displaying a green bike comes on before the full green for other traffic, allowing cyclists a five second head start on other vehicles.

ThermiCam detectors use video and thermal sensors to detect cyclists and distinguish them from other vehicles, meaning the advance lights are not used when there are no cyclists, avoiding delays to other road users.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “We are using the most up-to-date technology to help cyclists. They will get a start on other traffic at the signals which will not only help traffic flow but improve safety.

“This work will improve links by removing pinch points at junctions. It’ll also increase the capacity of the Leeds Street route, which links North Liverpool with the city’s commercial district.”

The system combining thermal video technology and the advanced cycle signal is thought to be one of the first to be used in UK and received a special authorisation from the Department for Transport.

It was designed by Amey engineers based in The Matchworks, Speke.

The technology is part of a package of work including additional right turn lanes, new pedestrian facilities at Pall Mall, resurfacing work, street lighting and pavement improvements.

The area on the south side of Leeds Street between Vauxhall Road and Pall Mall has been transformed to provide an off-road cycle and pedestrian link, with trees and a Citybike station.

The scheme was designed, constructed and project managed by Amey on behalf of Liverpool council and used Speke-based sub-contractor, King Construction for the groundworks.

Funding was provided by the Regional Growth Fund and is part of a successful bid by the city council for £25m for the North Liverpool City Fringe Investment and Employment Programme.