City links improved
The next stage of a £7 million scheme to improve links between Gloucester Quays, the docks and the City Centre is set to start this week.
It will see improved walking and cycling routes built between the two areas and will better direct traffic around the city.
Gloucestershire County Council is responsible for £2.1 million worth of improvements along the Kimbrose Triangle and Southgate Street section. This will include:
- Laying high quality paving between the County Court at Kimbrose Triangle and the existing pedestrianised section of Southgate Street at its junction with Longsmith Street.
- A public square is to be introduced at Kimbrose Way which vehicles will be permitted to pass through under a shared space concept where drivers will be expected to give way to pedestrians.
- Southgate Street from Kimbrose Triangle up to Longsmith Street will become a pedestrianised area, but Park & Ride buses will continue to operate here.
The first operation will be to make Ladybellegate Street two-way in order to permit deliveries to Southgate Street when the lower part of Southgate Street is closed. Temporary traffic signals will be used during construction.
The priority on Longsmith Street will be changed to one way in the direction of Southgate Street to facilitate deliveries. Work is expected to finish in November 2010.
It has the backing of traders in the City centre, Heart spoke to Malcolm Smith, who has been running a fish stall in Eastgate Market for over 30 years: