Roads minister Andrew Jones has viewed major plans for the regeneration of the Port of Liverpool transport network, with the aim of providing a significant boost to the local economy from upgrade works in the coming months.

The Liverpool2 port development will focus on the reduction of congestion for the busy A5036, as well as helping in the creation of thousands of new jobs in the surrounding area – estimates of 1,000 new positions in the local community and a further 5,000 in the wider supply chain.

Mr Jones stated: "We are determined to improve access to the Port of Liverpool so we can deliver a Northern Powerhouse by creating new jobs and an economic boost to the region.

"We have two options to upgrade the roads around the port and it is important we choose the right one for the community. I welcome Highways England's commitment to find the right one for Liverpool."

The two options that are currently under consideration for the Liverpool2 development are:

• Upgrade to the existing A5036 at four key junctions; Hawthorne Road, Netherton Way, Park Lane and Copy Lane.
• Construction of a new road through the Rimrose Valley, linking to the Broom's Cross Road (to be known as the Thornton to Switch Island Link).

A formal consultation for the proposed schemes will be launched in autumn this year, with all interested parties, local communities and members of the public able to give their views on the future direction of transport network upgrades in the area in the months ahead.