Two double lanes of traffic could be restored to Freetown Way
An image of how Freetown Way could look
By Simon Bristow
Freetown Way could be restored to two double lanes of traffic as part of plans unveiled by Hull City Council.
The major thoroughfare, which connects with Beverley Road, Ferensway, and Spring Bank, at one end, and North Bridge over the River Hull at the other, was changed to single lane traffic in either direction to accommodate new cycle lanes.
But in a computer-generated image released by the council today, two lanes of traffic in each direction are returned, with dedicated, raised cycle lanes on either side and a pedestrian walkway beyond those.
The introduction of single lane traffic on Freetown Way had been blamed by many motorists as a cause of congestion and delays at this critical network.
The council said the image shows “how Freetown Way could look under new plans to upgrade the busy road network and make it accessible for everyone”.
The footway on both sides of Freetown Way will also be widened between Witham and Blundell’s Corner to accommodate an off-road cycle facility, including a raised separation strip between the cycle lane and footway, providing a segregated area for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transportation, roads, highways, said: “We have listened to residents who were clear that the current road layout is not a suitable solution for all road users.
“As a result, new plans for Freetown Way have been designed to accommodate both cyclists and motorists as well as a range of pedestrian improvements.
“We are committed to delivering transport schemes that work for everyone and encourage people to view the online plans and have their say on the improvements.”
The full plans can be viewed here.
People are also being invited to share the views on the plans at two drop-in sessions next week - at Trinity Market on Tuesday, August 23, from 8am to 2pm, and at St Stephens Shopping Centre on Thursday, August 24, from 2pm to 7pm.
The improvement work will also include:
Additional pedestrian crossings
Early start signals for cyclists
Improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at junctions
The removal of cycle lanes across North Bridge and replacement with off-road cycle tracks
Removal of left turns from Freetown Way into Worship Street and Caroline Street to aid traffic flow and enhance safety
Removal of cycle lanes at Blundell’s Corner, and provision of an additional southbound traffic lane on Beverley Road
New off-road cycle tracks around the Blundell’s Corner junction, fully segregated from traffic and pedestrians
The consultation will close on Monday October 3.
The council is already holding its biggest ever survey of road users in Hull as part of wider efforts to tackle congestion and create “a transport network that works for everyone”. You can take part in that survey here.