Works to improve the junction between Queen Square and Gay Street in the centre of Bath have finally been completed, after being started last September.
A roadworks sign | Photo © Dom J / Shutterstock.com
The junction has had a new pedestrian crossing installed and traffic signals have been upgraded, replacing older signals which had reached the end of their lifespan.
The new signals have pedestrian crossing countdown timers which show how much time is left to safely cross, and use LEDs, which are more reliable and significantly reduce power consumption.
Low-level cycle signals have also been installed. These are separate from the vehicle signals and turn green before to allow cyclists to set off earlier and more safely. Road lining at the junction has also been refreshed.
The new signals are a significant upgrade and are part of an ongoing effort by Bath & North East Somerset council to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling in Bath’s city centre by making its roads safer for pedestrians.
Footways along the junction have been improved and, in some places, widened to allow more room for walking and wheeling, with traditional pennant stone paving used to stay in keeping with Bath’s heritage.
The improvement scheme was funded by the Department for Transport’s Traffic Signal Maintenance fund.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport said: ‘‘We’re pleased our works have finished and we can fully reopen the junction at Queen Square.
“Improvement works like this are so important to improve public safety, keep our traffic network up to date and support sustainable travel.
“We know it’s a busy junction in the centre of Bath and hope everyone can see the benefit of these works, and feel safer on their journey, whether they’re driving, walking, wheeling or cycling.”
