Stagecoach draws up contingency plans to tackle delays at major Peterborough traffic junction
Bus bosses are drawing up contingency plans ahead of feared disruption that might be caused by a £5 million revamp of a major traffic junction in Peterborough.
Managers of travel company Stagecoach say it is difficult to gauge the precise impact of any delays that might be caused by the year-long project to transform the Queensgate roundabout.
But they say the company, which provides an array of services across the city, is working with Peterborough City Council officials in an effort to reduce any delays.
The Queensgate roundabout is a key intersection in the city linking up the busy dualled Bourges Boulevard and Thorpe Road as well as being the access point for buses using the city bus station at the Queensgate Shopping Centre plus traffic heading to the train station car park and the multi-storey car parks of the Queensgate Shopping Centre.
The council has warned that delays are likely although the details of any lane restrictions during the course of the work are not expected to be released until next week.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “Peterborough Station Quarter is an exciting joint CPCA and Peterborough City Council project which will open up access to the city by bus and rail.
"We are working closely with CPCA and PCC to ensure that the build phase minimises as far as possible impacts on bus services.
He said: “Potential traffic implications have been modelled by Peterborough City Council officers but how these are realised can only be seen once works start, and contingency plans are being prepared.”
A number of road signs have already been put up in Peterborough city centre warning motorists of impending ‘major works’ that are likely to cause significant traffic issues.
Drivers will have already become aware of signs stating: “Advance warning: Major works: Queensgate roundabout: delays expected”
The signage also confirms that the work is scheduled to begin on July 6 and last until summer 2027.
What will the Queensgate roundabout works mean?
Once completed, the roundabout will be crossed by two routes – one for cyclists and another for pedestrians – taking people from the train station to both Cowgate and Priestgate.
An asphalt segregated cycle lane will run along the righthand side towards the city centre and will be partially partitioned from a clay parver pedestrian area by a narrow rain garden.
New hi-tech road crossings with red granite hazard warning tactile pavings will be installed at the Cowgate end of the roundabout.
More than 1,000 tonnes of concrete will be used to fill in two of the dismal subways, one at the Cowgate/Priestgate end and one adjacent to the railway car park.
The subway at the Queensgate end will remain but the land will be raised and new trees and shrubbery plus ornate walling for the rain garden will be installed.
The new-look roundabout will also feature large open areas that will include seating and there will be an ornamental meadow on the eastern side, closest to the shopping centre, and a clipped hedge on the western side.
There will also be areas of species-led grassland on both sides of the footpath and cycle routes.
The route will also be reorientated more directly towards the entrance to Cowgate.
In addition, the current three laned area of road between the roundabout and the Queensgate bus station and loading area, will be reduced to two lanes.