A section of the bus lane on Ferensway in Hull city centre will be permanently removed as part of a wider road improvement project. Hull City Council has confirmed it will be altered in relation to the Freetown Way scheme which will involve changes to the Beverley Road/Ferensway junction.
The project, which will see Freetown Way revert back to two lanes of traffic in both directions, includes the introduction of a cycle-optimised protected signals (CYCLOPS) junction where four of Hull’s busiest roads, Spring Bank, Beverley Road, Ferensway, and Freetown Way, meet. The new junction will separate cyclists and pedestrians from traffic.
Speaking about the new junction and the wider Freetown Way scheme, Hull City Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Mark Ieronimo, said: “This is a significant investment in one of Hull’s busiest routes and is designed to help people travel across the city – whether by bike, by car or on foot. We’d like to thank our residents, businesses and communities for providing feedback and helping us develop a scheme that works for everyone.”
The LDRS asked the council if the changes will lead to any alterations to the northbound bus lane on Ferensway, which, like the changes that saw Freetown Way reduced to one lane each way, was introduced in 2020.
In response, a spokesperson for Hull City Council said: “To install the [CYCLOPS] junction at this location, the final 30m of the northbound bus lane along Ferensway will have to be permanently removed. This phase of the project won’t occur until later on in order to reduce impact on the network and allow for the completion of several other schemes that will help people get around the city quicker and easier.”
Speaking more broadly on the Freetown Way Scheme, the spokesperson added: “After listening to local people’s views, the council has taken a big step and is moving ahead with plans to enhance Freetown Way and restore two lanes of traffic in each direction.
“The council is currently engaged in the procurement process to secure a contractor to deliver the Freetown Way Scheme, which will also see the development of off-road cycle tracks.
“The council anticipates appointing a contractor by late October to start on site before the end of the year.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
