AN £8million scheme to rewire and replace the lighting in the Wallasey Kingsway Tunnel has been approved by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

The work, which includes relocating cabling from along the side of the tubes to the invert below the road surface, is expected to take two years to complete.

Merseyrtravel say the tunnel's electrical infrastructure has been in place for more than 40 years ago and is at the end of its life cycle.

Existing lights will be replaced with more efficient LED units, reducing electrical consumption, leading to lower running costs and reduced CO2 emissions.

The majority of work will take place at road level during scheduled maintenance closures, causing minimal disruption to tunnel users.

The rewire is part of a 10-year investment programme for the two tunnels to keep them in good order and able to accommodate the 25 million vehicles which pass through them each year.

The work will be funded through money set aside from the Mersey Tunnel Tolls.

Frank Rogers, Merseytravel deputy chief executive and director of integrated transport services said: "The Mersey Tunnels are a vital part of our transport infrastructure, providing important road links for millions of vehicles each year, helping to sustain and grow the economy of the region.

"The tunnels are amongst the safest for their age in Europe and it's essential we continue to invest in them so we can keep them up and running for generations to come."