Ormskirk daytime road closure for cable installation, Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• There has been an Ormskirk temporary daytime road closure for Mart Lane.
• This will enable the road to be dug up to put in new electricity cables.
• It applies to the section of the road that runs from Bobby Langton Way up to outside number 28, in the area L40 0SD.
• The restriction started on Monday, September 21 and will last until Friday, October 2.
• This will take place daily between 8am and 5pm.
• A signed diversion will direct drivers along A59 Liverpool Road North, Orrell Lane and Mart Lane.
• Access for emergency services will be retained throughout the work.
• Access for pedestrians to properties will also be provided.
• Residents and businesses can expect vehicular access whenever possible.
• Lancashire County Council suggests that anyone with any concerns should contact its highways streetworks department.

Liverpool (Liverpool standard) September 22, 2026 — Lancashire County Council introduced the daytime road closure on Monday, to allow new electricity cables to be installed on Mart Lane.

The restriction affects a section of Mart Lane between its junction with Bobby Langton Way and a point outside property number 28, close to postcode L40 0SD. The closure is intended to provide space for excavation and cable installation work to take place safely.

The development was reported by the Liverpool Echo in its article, “Daytime road closure introduced in Ormskirk to allow cables to be installed”. The report said Lancashire County Council had introduced the restriction and arranged a signed diversion for affected road users.

The closure is temporary and is scheduled to operate during the daytime rather than continuously throughout the day and night. According to the information published by the council and reported by the Liverpool Echo, the restriction is due to remain in place until Friday, October 2.

When will the Ormskirk road closure operate?

The road closure is scheduled to operate daily from 8am to 5pm during the period covered by the traffic order.

This means drivers may be able to use the road outside those hours, although access will remain subject to the progress of the work, site conditions and any safety requirements in place at the time.

People who regularly use Mart Lane should therefore check their journey before travelling, particularly during the morning and afternoon periods when the restriction is expected to be active. The daytime operating hours may also affect school journeys, work commutes, deliveries and visits to nearby homes and businesses.

The work period is listed as running from September 21 to October 2. As with many temporary highway restrictions, the actual timetable may be affected by construction progress, weather, safety considerations or other conditions at the site.

Where exactly does the closure apply?

The restriction applies to Mart Lane from its junction with Bobby Langton Way to outside property number 28.

The affected section is near postcode L40 0SD. Drivers who usually access properties or connect with residential streets along this part of Mart Lane may need to follow the signed diversion while the restriction is in operation.

The closure does not necessarily mean that every nearby road is inaccessible. Instead, it applies to the specified section of Mart Lane identified in the traffic order. Road users should follow signs at the site and avoid entering the closed section unless access has been authorised and it is safe to proceed.

Why are electricity cables being installed?

The works are taking place to enable the installation of new electricity cables.

The scheme requires excavation within the highway. A temporary closure has been introduced to support the work and help protect workers, residents and road users while the excavation and cable installation are carried out.

Cable installation can require sections of the road to be opened so that underground infrastructure can be placed or connected. The closure provides a controlled working area and is intended to reduce the risk created by vehicles passing close to excavation equipment and construction activity.

Lancashire County Council said the restriction was proposed under Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. That provision allows temporary traffic restrictions to be introduced where they are considered necessary for works or other relevant highway-related reasons.

What diversion route has been provided?

A signed diversion will direct vehicles away from the closed section.

The planned route is via:

• A59 Liverpool Road North.
• Orrell Lane.
• Mart Lane.

The diversion will operate in both directions, according to the information reported by the Liverpool Echo.

Drivers should follow the official signs rather than attempting to use unsuitable residential roads or entering the works area. The diversion is intended to provide an alternative route around the restricted section and maintain movement for vehicles travelling in the area.

Journey times may be longer while the closure is active. Drivers travelling towards Mart Lane should allow additional time, particularly during busy periods. Delays may also occur if several vehicles use the diversion at the same time.

Will residents still be able to reach their properties?

Residents will continue to receive access where it is safe and practical to provide it.

The arrangements state that pedestrian access to properties will be maintained at all times. Vehicular access for residents will be provided whenever and wherever possible, subject to site safety.

This means people living along or near the closed section should not assume that all access will be removed. However, they may experience short waits or temporary restrictions while excavation and other works are taking place.

Access arrangements can change as the work progresses. Residents may need to follow directions from traffic management staff and should take care around machinery, barriers and uneven surfaces.

Businesses and other property users in the affected area should also plan for the possibility of brief delays when vehicles are entering or leaving premises. Deliveries may need to be scheduled outside the main working period where possible.

Will emergency and pedestrian access be maintained?

Emergency services will have access at all times, according to the published information.

Pedestrian access to properties will also be maintained throughout the works. This is intended to ensure that people can continue to reach their homes and other properties even when vehicles cannot use the closed section in the normal way.

People walking through or near the works should remain alert and follow any temporary signs, barriers or instructions provided at the site. If a footway or crossing point needs to be adjusted temporarily for safety reasons, pedestrians should use the signed alternative.

Maintaining emergency access is particularly important during a temporary road closure. It allows emergency vehicles to reach properties if required while the cable installation work is under way.

How could the closure affect local traffic?

The daytime restriction could create short delays and localised congestion on roads approaching Mart Lane.

Traffic may be particularly busy during the morning and afternoon peaks, when residents are travelling to work, children are being taken to school and people are making routine journeys. The diversion could also affect deliveries and vehicles travelling between the A59 and residential roads near Mart Lane.

The precise level of disruption will depend on traffic volumes, the progress of the works and how many drivers use alternative routes. Some road users may choose different roads rather than follow the signed diversion, which could place additional pressure on nearby residential streets.

Drivers should avoid stopping near the closure or blocking access points. People making essential journeys should leave extra time and pay attention to temporary traffic management signs.

Bus services using Mart Lane may also need to divert during the daytime closure. Passengers should check directly with their bus operator for the latest information before travelling, as routes and stopping arrangements can change during highway works.

Who authorised the traffic restriction?

The traffic order was issued through Lancashire County Council’s Highways and Transport service.

The published information names Amanda Meldrum, the council’s Streetworks Team Leader, as the person who authorised the restriction.

Members of the public who believe they may be adversely affected, or who have concerns about the arrangements, have been encouraged to contact Lancashire County Council’s highways streetworks team.

The contact number provided for enquiries is 0300 123 6780.

People contacting the council should provide as much detail as possible, including the location affected, the nature of the concern and the date or time when the problem occurred. This can help the relevant team assess whether additional information or adjustments are required.

What should drivers and residents do?

Drivers using the area should follow the signed diversion and allow extra time for their journeys.

Residents and businesses near the works should:

• Check the closure times before planning vehicle movements.
• Expect possible short waits when entering or leaving properties.
• Follow instructions from traffic management staff.
• Keep clear of excavation areas, barriers and construction equipment.
• Check with delivery companies about access during working hours.
• Contact Lancashire County Council if they believe access arrangements are causing serious problems.

Pedestrians should use the available routes and remain cautious around the work area. Although pedestrian access is intended to remain available, the presence of excavation and machinery means people should not cross barriers or enter restricted areas.

The closure is planned to be active only between 8am and 5pm. However, road users should remain guided by signs at the location because conditions may vary as the work progresses.

What happens after October 2?

The scheduled end date for the restriction is Friday, October 2.

The road could reopen after the stated date if the works are completed and the site is considered safe. If the work takes longer than planned, the restriction may be extended through the appropriate process, although the available information does not confirm whether an extension will be required.

Road users should check local council updates or signs near Mart Lane for any change to the timetable. The completion of the cable installation, reinstatement of the road and removal of traffic management measures may not all happen at exactly the same time.

Until the restriction is removed, motorists should continue to follow the signed route and avoid relying on the assumption that the road is open outside the advertised working hours.

Background to the Mart Lane development

The temporary closure is linked to underground electricity cable works on Mart Lane in Ormskirk. Lancashire County Council introduced the restriction under Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to support excavation and installation activity.

The affected section runs from Bobby Langton Way to outside property number 28 near L40 0SD. The traffic arrangement includes a diversion through A59 Liverpool Road North, Orrell Lane and Mart Lane, while emergency access and pedestrian access to properties are intended to remain available.

The details were published in a Liverpool Echo report titled “Daytime road closure introduced in Ormskirk to allow cables to be installed”. The publication noted that its article was produced with the assistance of an AI engine for editorial research and article templates, and that an Echo editor reviewed the content before publication.liverpoolecho.co

Prediction: how could the closure affect Ormskirk residents?

The most immediate effect for Ormskirk residents is likely to be longer daytime journeys around Mart Lane, especially during the morning and afternoon travel periods. People living closest to the affected section may experience temporary delays when accessing their homes, although pedestrian access and emergency access are scheduled to remain available.

Drivers who use Mart Lane for short local trips may choose the signed diversion or another route. This could increase traffic on A59 Liverpool Road North and Orrell Lane during the working day. Bus passengers may also face temporary route changes if services normally use the closed section.

If the electricity cable work progresses as scheduled, the disruption should remain temporary and end after the planned October 2 completion date. The actual impact will depend on the speed of the excavation, traffic volumes and whether the council needs to extend the restriction.