Traffic lights at a major roundabout in Chester will be switched off this Sunday as work on the city’s new bus interchange continues.
From this Sunday (November 15) changes will be made to the road markings and traffic signals so that Hoole Way Roundabout will operate as give way only. All traffic signals, with the exception of pedestrian crossings, will be switched off.
The Hoole Way roundabout connects St Oswalds Way, Brook Street, Frodsham Street, Gorse Stacks and Hoole Way.
Following the temporary removal of one lane on the Gorse Stacks side of the roundabout, to allow utilities to be diverted from the site of the new bus interchange, it will not be possible to maintain the operation of the signals without roundabout exits becoming blocked. The signals will therefore be turned off.
Non-signalised roundabout
Cllr Brian Clarke, Cabinet member for economic development and Infrastructure, said: “Weather permitting, the Hoole Way traffic signals will be switched off on Sunday, November 15.
“Road markings and signage will be altered to indicate to vehicle users that Hoole Way will become a non-signalised roundabout.
“This means they should give way to traffic coming from the right and proceed only if the way is clear. Rush hour motorists will notice the difference on Monday morning.
“With the exception of the nearby pedestrian crossings, the roundabout will operate without signals for the foreseeable future as the new bus interchange continues to take shape at Gorse Stacks.”
The new bus interchange is an enabling project for the proposed Northgate Scheme in Chester city centre which will deliver 40,000 square metres of modern retail accommodation and create more than 1,000 new jobs.
The new interchange is expected to be completed by December 2016 and to open to the public in early 2017.
