Improvements are planned to the Upper Northgate and George Street junction in Chester city centre.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will carry out the work as part of a larger programme, which includes the new Chester Bus Interchange, currently under construction in Gorse Stacks.

When the new bus interchange opens next spring, buses that currently travel down Northgate Street will be re-routed to Gorse Stacks.

There will be a significant reduction in traffic to Northgate Street and the existing bus lane in Upper Northgate Street will not be required to run towards the city from Fountains Roundabout.

Some buses will still come into Upper Northgate Street via Canal Street and will need access into Delamere Street to get to the new Bus Interchange.

The direction of the current bus lane will be reversed to allow access into Delamere Street. As a result bus companies will not need to travel around the Fountains roundabout which lengthens passenger journeys.

Plan of the scheme in Upper Northgate Street at George Street
Plan of the scheme in Upper Northgate Street at George Street

Cyclists, taxis and other authorised vehicles will also be able to use the bus lane.

For cyclists there will be a segregated footway/cycleway on the footway going towards the city on the same side as the Bull and Stirrup pub.

And two new bus stops in George Street and Upper Northgate Street will boost public transport links between the new bus interchange and the Northgate area

The council’s Cabinet member for environment, Cllr Karen Shore, said: “Over the years there have been many changes to this part of the city and with a reduction in traffic and an increase in pedestrians expected, we have plans to reduce the size of the junction by widening the footways and removing the traffic signals.

“The widened, repaved footways will provide better access for older people and disabled residents who live locally whilst improving the pedestrian environment for visitors entering the city through the Northgate.

“If you have any views regarding this scheme please call in to speak to officers at our drop-in session. Your views are important to us.”

If you have any questions or would like further information about the scheme please contact andrew.coward @cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk, call 0300 1237036 or go along to the drop in session at the The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate Street, Chester CH1 4EE on Wednesday, November 30, between 10am and 8pm, where council officers will be able to answer any questions.