Work to improve the look and feel of a popular shopping area in Brighton will begin this month, despite objections from over 250 residents on proposed bus diversions.
Money from three government grants, the Active Travel Fund, Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund and the Bus Service Improvement Plan is being used to improve Western Road.
Councillors say the changes will make it more pleasant for shoppers, encourage more cycling, wheeling and walking, making it easier to travel through the city and improving air quality.
The Carbon Neutral Fund will also fund parts of the project like cycling infrastructure and tree planning.
The work will include
- a resurfaced road
- resurfaced and tidier pavements
- a simpler road layout with a central strip to help with pedestrian crossing
- more cycle parking, seating and tree planting
- improved pedestrian crossings
- a redesign of the junction with Dyke Road.
The improvements are expected to take around 18 months. The external funding is designed for improving transport infrastructure and the public realm and has been awarded specifically for this purpose.
Work beginning in January 2023
From Monday 9 January, eastbound buses and taxis using Western Road between Montpelier Road and the Churchill Square Shopping Centre will be diverted via upper North Street.
Westbound traffic will still be able to use the road.
Access will remain to all shops and businesses along the road during opening hours and a pedestrian route will be provided alongside the works.
Some overnight working
During the project, some overnight work will be carried out to ensure access is maintained during the day.
However, these works will be at limited times only and expected at the start and end of the project.
Improving the look and feel of the city
Councillor Elaine Hills, Co-Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee said:
“We are committed to supporting our city’s businesses so it’s great to see that the new year is beginning with a scheme that will really improve the look and feel of this busy part of the city.
“Western Road is a great area for shopping and eating and browsing and these improvements will make it even more welcoming for residents whether they are walking, wheeling or taking a bus.
“I realise the work will mean some disruption for a while, but this scheme will have long term benefits for our residents, businesses and local economy for years to come.”
More information
A public consultation on the scheme was held in Spring 2021 and the scheme was agreed by our Environment, Transport and Sustainability committee in July 2021.
However, residents say the consultation did not mention a diversion from Western Road and over 250 people in Montpelier Terrace and Upper North Street have signed a petition citing safety issues arising from pollution and a weight limit on the road.
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