Works are set to take place at the junction between Gay Street and Queen Square in Bath to improve safety for users.
The scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Traffic Signal Maintenance Fund, will see all traffic signals replaced and upgraded, a new pedestrian crossing introduced, and improvements made to footways.
The current traffic signals at the junction have reached the end of their life span and need replacing with more modern and energy-efficient technology.
The new signals will be a significant upgrade and will improve safety for walkers, wheelers and people who cycle through low level cycle signals and a pedestrian countdown display at the new crossing point.
Low level cycle signals, which will turn to green before the vehicle signals, will allow cyclists to set off earlier and more safely.
A pedestrian crossing countdown display will show how much time is left to safely cross.
The footways will be improved and, in some places, widened to allow more room for walking and wheeling. Where possible, traditional pennant stone paving will be used to stay in keeping with Bath’s heritage.
The junction receives heavy foot and vehicle traffic, so delays are expected during the works.
A three-way temporary traffic light system will mean the junction will stay open whilst the works take place.
The work will start on Monday 26th September and is expected to take around 8-10 weeks to complete. Advanced warnings will be placed to inform road users of the works taking place, but delays are expected.
The junction will need to be closed off for up to three nights in early November.
Diversions will be put in place as well as advanced warnings for motorists and will be coordinated with the ongoing works at Upper Bristol Road.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport said: “Improvement schemes like this are so important for keeping our traffic network up to date, supporting sustainable travel and improving safety.
“We know from comments received where we have installed the countdown timers at busy crossings elsewhere in the city centre that people find them helpful in knowing how long they have left to cross.
“We’re aware this is a busy junction in the centre of Bath so unfortunately there will be some delays to traffic, but we’ll work hard to minimise the disruption and apologise for any inconvenience.”
