Environmental specialists have started conducting surveys for the proposed A5036 Merseyside bypass to the Port of Liverpool in the UK.

The bypass through Rimrose Valley will connect Princess Way at the Port of Liverpool to the motorway network at Switch Island.

Highways England contractors are currently investigating habitats for animals such as otters, bats and birds that are legally required to be protected during construction.

The survey results will help support the design work for the new bypass.

In the coming few months, investigation on air quality, noise levels and ground conditions will be conducted.

When operational, the 4.8km dual carriageway will reduce traffic at Church Road and Dunnings Bridge Road.

Highways England senior project manager Carl Stockton said: “We’ll be carrying out surveys during the autumn as part of the design work we need to do to develop our proposals for a new bypass to the Port of Liverpool.

“We’re encouraging people to come along to our public events later in October to find out more about the surveys and we’ll be holding a formal consultation once we have a preliminary design for the bypass.”

Construction is expected to commence by the end of 2022, subject to the approval of the scheme.

The existing route of the A5036 is currently used by around 23,000 vehicles every day.

Next year, a public consultation will be launched on the preliminary scheme design. A Development Consent Order application will also be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.