Bootle to Kirkby

Major modernisation of the Merseyside network

We're delivering a major investment to modernise critical electricity infrastructure in Merseyside, helping to ensure the network remains safe, reliable and resilient for the future.

As part of a £40 million project, we're replacing a key electricity cable connection between Bootle and Kirkby that has been serving homes and businesses across the region since the 1960s. While the existing cable has supported generations of customers, it is now reaching the stage where replacement is needed to maintain the high standards of reliability that communities expect.

The project is being delivered in stages, with work having begun in Knowsley in August 2025. This involves carefully excavating sections of road to replace ageing cables before connecting the new infrastructure to the wider local electricity network.

What is required and how long will works go on for?

The project is expected to continue until October 2027, with work progressing through three key stages across different locations.

As the works move through these stages, you may see our teams return to areas that have previously been worked in. This is a normal part of the construction process and helps ensure the new infrastructure is installed, tested and restored correctly.

Stage 1: Duct Installation
The main construction phase, involving excavation works to install underground ducts (protective pipes) for the new cables to run through. This stage typically involves the highest levels of construction activity, traffic management and noise.

Stage 2: Cable Installation
Once the ducts are in place, the new cables are pulled through and connected at specialist access points known as joint bays. Works are usually more localised during this stage, with less intrusive traffic and pedestrian management.

Stage 3: Reinstatement
For most work, the roads, footpaths and surrounding areas are reinstated and returned to their original condition at stages 1 and 2. On some well-used, strategic or recently resurfaced roads, highway authority requirements may mean that permanent reinstatement is carried out at a later date.

Who are we working with to complete these works?

SP Energy Networks is responsible for delivering the project and is the owner and operator of the local electricity distribution network.

We are working with a north west based delivery partner, Excalon Ltd, who will undertake much of the construction activity on our behalf.

Where are these works taking place?

The cable route runs between our electricity infrastructure in Bootle and Kirkby, passing through electrical substations in Gillmoss and Fazakerley.

Having made good progress up to now, working primarily in less built-up areas around East Lancashire Road and Lower Lane, the work is now coming up to residential areas on and around Rice Lane.

An indicative schedule of specific locations and traffic management arrangements can be viewed below.

How will these works impact you?

Diversion routes and signage will be in place to make people aware, and we will complete the work as safely and quickly as possible to minimise disruption.

We’ll ensure access to properties and businesses is always maintained, and do not expect electricity supplies to be interrupted as a result of this work.

Bus services will continue to operate throughout the works. If a bus stop is affected by traffic management measures, such as a lane closure, a temporary bus stop will be provided nearby in a safe and convenient location outside of the works area.

In some locations, temporary parking restrictions may be required to enable works to be carried out safely. Where this is necessary, advance notice will be provided. Works will also be phased to avoid large sections being cordoned off at any one time, ensuring nearby roads remain available for residents, businesses and visitors.

We recognise that roadworks can be disruptive and may affect day-to-day journeys, routines and access for local residents. That's why minimising inconvenience has been a key consideration throughout our planning process.

By investing now, we're helping to avoid more significant disruption in the future and ensuring that local homes, businesses and community services can continue to benefit from a dependable electricity supply as demand for power increases.

What’s Next?

East Lancashire / Lower Lane

The most disruptive work (duct installation) in this area is now nearing completion.

Rice Lane and surrounding areas

From Monday 20 July, you will see our teams along Rice Lane and on Lancaster Street installing the ducts.

This work is taking place for six weeks during the school summer holidays, finishing on Friday 28 August, so that school runs remain on time and uninterrupted,

Our crews will be on site from 07:00 to 19:00, up to seven days a week. This helps us finish each phase as quickly as possible, reducing the time roads are affected. 

From Rice Lane, we will be moving to nearby residential streets from late August 2026. This page will remain up to date as the project progresses to keep everyone that needs to know, in the know.

Stay up to date

We will keep residents regularly informed as our work progresses, or if any of our plans change.

Contact our community relations team with any questions or queries:

• Freephone: 0800 156 0705 (between 9am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday)
• Email: merseysidereinforcement@spenenquiries.co.uk