Hull City Council has re-phased essential improvements on Ferensway to minimise the impact of the works on city residents and businesses in the run up to Christmas.

Two-way traffic will return to Ferensway from this Friday, 11 November, five weeks sooner than originally planned.  A number of other major works, including the replacement of traffic signals and the installation of a new pedestrian crossing, will be carried out during a three-day closure from Sunday 27 to Tuesday 29 November.

This work is an essential part of the improvements currently being carried out to Ferensway, and means the road will be completed in time for the UK City of Culture 2017 to benefit drivers, pedestrians, and visitors for many years to come.

Councillor Martin Mancey, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for transport and highways, said: “I am pleased that we will be able to restore two lanes of traffic in each direction so much sooner than originally anticipated. Whilst we recognise that there will inevitably be some disruption to traffic during the closure whilst the traffic signal works are in progress, we will do everything in our power to minimise disruption.

“Once completed, it will provide a significant benefit to all road users and pedestrians. On balance, I believe this relatively short period of closure is preferable to the extended period of single lane traffic restrictions, which were previously anticipated to continue to mid December.

“I would urge motorists to try and make alternative travel plans and to utilise the city’s public transport network and our park and ride service.”

During the much shorter period of disruption, EYMS and Stagecoach buses will be operating a full service to and from the Interchange, and will also have access to Carr Lane which will revert back to two-way traffic from Friday 25 November, easing congestion on the wider network.

Taxis may continue to use the Interchange by exiting in front of the Royal Mercure Hotel during the three-day closure, and a temporary taxi rank has also been installed on Paragon Street. Both hackney carriages and private hire taxis will also be able to use Carr Lane during the three-day closure.

Pedestrian access to Ferensway will be maintained, however crossing points may vary. Cyclists will be able to dismount and cross between the Interchange and Jameson Street and the Interchange and St Stephens.

Brook Street and North Street will be operated as a two-way street for cars only during the closure, so that deliveries and shoppers wanting access to the Prospect Centre car park are able to continue as normal.

The alternative route for motorists will be via Freetown Way/George Street, Great Union Street, A1033/Garrison Road and Castle Street.

The work to Ferensway includes:

• Upgrading the pedestrian crossing located outside of Paragon Interchange and House of Fraser, by increasing its width from seven metres to ten metres, creating a free-flow for pedestrians leaving the station and walking into the city centre.
• The complex IT system controlling the traffic and pedestrian lights along Ferensway is due for an upgrade, so these are being tied in with the reconfiguration of the pedestrian crossing to avoid any further disruption in the future. This will extend the longevity of the traffic lights system for at least another 15 years, once the lights are switched off, they cannot be turned on until the whole system is rewired and the new signal controller that operates the lights is installed and commissioned.
• Paving works outside of the Interchange will also be carried out during the closure.

The road closure will be publicised well in advance. Variable Message Signs (VMS boards) and ample signage will be placed well in advance on the main arterial routes leading to the city centre, including Beverley Road, Spring Bank, Anlaby Road, Freetown Way, Cleveland Street and Holderness Road.

There will also be a series of overnight closures, from Monday 12 – Friday 16 December, so that the final resurfacing works can be completed. 

To keep up-to-date with travel updates, please visit www.cityplanhull.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @Hullccnews and @destinationhull.