With work progressing well, we’re pleased to say that we’re planning to reopen Western Road to eastbound buses ahead of schedule, ending the need to divert them.
Working with the contractor, we’re confident the earlier reopening can be achieved on or before Monday 14 August.
The roadworks on Upper North Street are scheduled to end today (Friday 14 July).
We will be removing and replacing the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) which currently allows buses to use Upper North Street. This is expected to come into place on 27 July and mean that buses will no longer be diverted via Upper North Street.
There will be a short period before the new TTRO comes into effect but we understand that bus operators are not intending to use Upper North Street during that period.
We’d like to thank residents in the areas impacted for their patience while the diversion has been in place.
Work to continue
Although Western Road will be reopened, work will continue until next year to improve the look and feel of this popular shopping area of the city. The expected schedule is as follows:
- August to December 2023: Remaining pavement and road resurfacing work between Montpelier Road and Churchill Square
- January to June 2024: Redesign of junction with Dyke Road and work opposite Churchill Square
While we expect work to be finished by June 2024, this may be subject to change.
Leader of the Council Bella Sankey said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to bring forward the reopening of Western Road ahead of schedule.
“We know the diversion has been disruptive for the residents and bus passengers and I’d like to thank them for their patience during the work.
“The improvements to Western Road are already beginning to take shape and I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished result for this very busy part of the city.”
Picture: Artists impression of the finished Western Road improvement scheme
Future closure
We intend to manage all remaining daytime work using temporary traffic lights. This hasn’t been practical earlier in the project because of the size and number of working areas.
However, we will need to close Western Road at night when completing the resurfacing work. This will be done in stages between August and January.
We’ll be writing to businesses and residents directly affected in advance.
Western Road Improvement Scheme
Our improvements to Western Road are designed to make the street a more attractive place to shop and spend time in, as well as make it easier for people travelling through.
The changes include:
- a resurfaced road
- resurfaced and tidier pavements
- a simpler road layout
- improved pedestrian crossings
- more cycle parking, seating, and tree planting
- new street lighting
The changes also include redesigning the Dyke Road junction with Western Road. This will reduce waiting times for buses and pedestrians here and at the Clock Tower.
More information can be found on the Western Road improvements webpage.