Work starts on return of two-lane traffic on Freetown Way

VISION OF THE FUTURE?: An artist’s impression of how the new off-road cycle scheme could look

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Work has started on a major road improvement scheme that will see Freetown Way return to two lanes of traffic in both directions.

The work will also have a focus on developing facilities for off-road cycling.

Localised works are taking place at locations along the route to divert utilities, including electricity and fibreoptics, which will prepare the site for the delivery of the main scheme.

This will see the footways on both sides of Freetown Way widened, between Witham and Blundell’s Corner, to accommodate safe, off-road cycle tracks, providing separated areas for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Hull City Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “The start of these enabling works is the next key milestone for this scheme and shows that we are getting on with the job.

“As a council, we said that we would listen to our residents, and they told us that they wanted Freetown Way to be turned back to two lanes of traffic and that they wanted more off-road cycling facilities. And this is exactly what we are doing.

“This scheme represents a significant investment in one of Hull’s busiest routes and is designed to help people travel across the city by whatever mode of transport they choose, whether it is by bike, by car or on foot.”

The scheme is part-funded by an allocation from Active Travel England’s Active Travel Fund and will see cycle-optimised protected signals (CYCLOPS) junctions installed at Blundell’s Corner and Witham, as well as Freetown Way’s junctions with Wright Street, Charles Street, Caroline Street / Worship Street and George Street.

BIG CHANGE: An artist’s impression of the new CYCLOPS junction at Blundell’s Corner

The council has identified Balfour Beatty as its preferred contractor to deliver the main scheme and is in advanced negotiations with the company, with a view to awarding them the contract, it said.

Councillor Ieronimo added: “We fully appreciate that our residents, businesses and members of the travelling public want to see this scheme get underway and that it is completed in a timely manner.

“It is therefore vitally important that we ensure the planning for these works is done well and that we look at how we can minimise any potential disruption, especially given other ongoing schemes on the city’s highway network, such as the council’s repair and strengthening works on Drypool Bridge and the A63 improvements by Highways England.

“Wherever possible, we will look at how we can combine work to make best use of staff and resource and help ensure schemes don’t conflict with each other or result in repeated works at key locations.”

Phil Morgan, area director for Balfour Beatty, said: “We’re pleased to support Hull City Council as enabling works get underway on this important scheme, improving connectivity and accessibility for road users.

“Our focus will be on delivering efficiently and responsibly, minimising disruption while helping realise the city’s vision for sustainable travel.”

Following completion of the enabling works in January, the council will seek to finalise the appointment of its contractor and agree a programme of works early this year, beginning work on-site on the main scheme from February.