Designed as a ring road for Liverpool, it is 10 miles (16 km) long between Tarbock Green and Switch lsland, and links various towns east of the city, as well as the M62 and M58 motorways.

The first two opened were:[1] Phase 1 was approved by Lancashire County Council's highways and bridges committee in April 1969, estimating to cost around £3.9 million with construction work anticipated to start several months later.

[2] By the end of 1969, work had not yet commenced, although the Minister of Transport Fred Mulley announced in December 1969 that a grant of around £2.9 million had been made to Lancashire County Council towards the road's cost.

[3] The scheme was proceeded with more rapidly as there had been industrial growth in the area, and it was considered important to improve traffic connections as soon as possible.

Shortly before opening, the second phase was announced by the council as being close to starting construction, with an estimated cost of £11.5 million.