Was discussing this with Chris recently. Yes, you are quite right. The (flourescent) light fittings were inset into the road surface. Thick glass fittings in a heavy metal frame. Set every few feet on the approach to the junction. A set leading off into the "fast" lane if you wanted B'head docks.
The "slow" lane was a fixed green light, but the branch was normal traffic light aspects.
With today's peak traffic levels, I think there would be a right snarl-up waiting for the lights to change. Not that there would be much branch traffic anyway!
wow, so the birkenhead dock branch used to be active? how did the tolls work with that entrance/exit as i don't remember seeing any evidence of toll booths when passing the approach road!?! Does anyone know when they stopped it from being used?
yes you paid at the booth prior to entering the tunnel. you handed the cash to the man in the booth who then gave you a ticket, there where no barriers of any sort. As you left the tunnel on the other side {be it Birkenhead or Liverpool} a tunnel policeman would flag cars at random for the driver to show his ticket as he slowely passed by the policeman. At some time after at least the early 50s {could have been even in the 60s} some ofthe toll booth collectors where found to have there hands in the till so to speak. It had been going on for quite some time and large sums of money was involved. Dont know the details or how many got jail for stealing the cash.
Last edited by jimbob; 6th Dec 201011:17pm.
Ships that pass in the night, seldom seen and soon forgoten
Are you sure it was 65 when the Dock rd line was closed? I was born in 65 and have memories of going down this link! Even the traffic lights in the tunnel!!!!
Are you sure it was 65 when the Dock rd line was closed? I was born in 65 and have memories of going down this link! Even the traffic lights in the tunnel!!!!
Likewise Hoseman, i thought i used it on my motorbike but i got that in 1969, i can blame it on the fumes, perhaps you should investigate your baby milk.
God help us, Come yourself, Don't send Jesus, This is no place for children.
The Birkenhead Dock branch closed when the Wallasey tunnel opened in 1971. In the last few years, during rush hour, it was used as an entrance only, and the Liverpool branch was used as an exit only.
While you are now not allowed to change lanes anywhere in the tunnel, when the branch was in operation illuminated arrows in the road surface of the main tunnel directed traffic to change lanes at the junctions.
