Work is set to start in the next few weeks creating a mile-long safe and attractive travel route between Stoke-on-Trent Station and the city centre.
The scheme – paid for through a £29million Transforming Cities Fund awarded to Stoke-on-Trent City Council by the Department for Transport – will improve access for buses, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety at junctions.
Dedicated space for cyclists and pedestrians will encourage active travel in a healthier environment along the route that stretches just over a mile and includes Station Road, College Road, Cleveland Road, Regent Road and Lower Bethesda Street.
Work is due to start this Autumn:
- College Road works are planned to start in October 2023 for approximately 16 months. This will provide an improved route connecting the City Centre Bus Station with the railway station.
- Station Road works are planned to start in January 2024 for approximately 12 months. This will improve access to and from the rail station for all station users, including commuters.
In addition, public realm works along Station Road will enhance the Grade ll* Listed station building, and along Station Road and College Road, there’ll be priority access for buses and taxis, reducing traffic flow, with new bus stops and shelters.
Road widths will be reduced allowing more space for pedestrians and cyclists. The carriageway will be reconstructed and resurfaced, with new crossing facilities, improved lighting and planting.
Civil engineering contractor Galliford Try has been appointed by the council to deliver the work and the local authority is working in partnership with Network Rail and Avanti West Coast – the train operating company.
The council has warned that work will cause some disruption but will be done in phases with traffic management in place to minimise impact to travellers and the local community.
More information will be available for residents and businesses in the area with newsletters delivered to relevant properties ahead of the start of each phase of work.
Bus shelters with real time information would be good !