Construction work on a major transport scheme that will restore two lanes of traffic in each direction on Freetown Way and provide new and improved off-road cycling facilities is underway.
Following the appointment of Hull-based contractor PBS Construction by Hull City Council last month, excavation work has started on the footway between Wright Street and Pryme Street to allow a new cycle track to be installed as well as reconstruction of the footway. The kerbline in this area is also being removed as part of widening works for the return of two lanes of traffic.
To minimise disruption to motorists and the travelling public, the council and its contractor are taking a phased approach to works – focussing on a specific section at a time.
Initial works in September and early October will be completed under localised traffic management, with narrow lanes in operation.
Motorists are advised not to overtake people cycling in the area being worked on and, due to the works on the footway, the southern footway of Freetown Way, from Pryme Street to Wright Street is closed.
No access is available onto Freetown Way from Pryme Street, and a short diversion is in place for pedestrians via Wright Street.
To maintain a safe space for pedestrians, the controlled pedestrian crossing of Freetown Way at Pryme Street is also closed, with a diversion via the controlled crossing at Charles Street in place.
This phase of works will take around two months, with a new crossing facility at Pryme Street set to open in early 2027.
Over the coming months, PBS Construction will work on the section of the scheme from the east of Blundell’s Corner through to, and including, the Wright Street junction.
Overall, it is anticipated this phase of works will take around six months to complete and will include:
- revisions and new signals at Wright Street to incorporate new cycle facilities
- a new off-carriageway cycle facility will be created, and footways will be reconstructed
- carriageway alterations to accommodate two lanes of traffic.
Additional traffic management arrangements may be required and will be communicated in good time to allow motorists time to plan their journeys accordingly.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “Our residents have been clear what they want to see on Freetown Way – a return of two lanes of traffic in each direction and new off-road cycle facilities – and that is what is now being delivered.
“Freetown Way is an important route through the city, and we want it to work better for everyone who uses it, whether they are travelling by car, walking or cycling.
“We’d like to thank our residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this work is undertaken. We want to assure motorists and the travelling public that we will do all we can to minimise any disruption.”
Glenn Smurthwaite, managing director of PBS Construction, said: “We are very pleased to be appointed as the principal contractor for this phase of what is a high-profile scheme within our home city.
“We intend to maximise the use of local labour and suppliers for the benefit of all involved and work in partnership with Hull City Council to deliver works in the most efficient manner and with the least amount of disruption as possible.”
While this phase of work is underway, the council is inviting contractors to bid for the remaining works in the scheme. This will enable swift progress, once this stage is complete.
To keep up to date with this scheme visit the Travel Hull website or follow Travel Hull on X and Facebook.