A multi-million-pound investment in Kingswood’s infrastructure is continuing to make significant progress and, when complete, will help ensure more reliable journeys, safer junctions and a network that is better able to accommodate future demand.
Hull City Council, working with local contractor CR Reynolds Ltd, has been undertaking work to expand the capacity of two of the area’s most used roundabouts at Wawne Road/Bude Road and Ennerdale since March.
The investment was needed following the completion of several new housing developments and with the area anticipated to continue growing in the years ahead.
Currently, 32,361 vehicles are passing through the Ennerdale roundabout every day, with 30,814 at the Wawne Road/Bude Road roundabout. By 2040, these numbers are predicted to increase by nearly 10% – to 35,393 – at Ennerdale and nearly 14% – to 35,013 – at Wawne Road/Bude Road.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “We fully understand that roadworks can cause short-term inconvenience, and we have been working closely with our contractor to minimise disruption and keep traffic moving. We will continue to make every effort to do so throughout the remainder of the works.
“However, these are important improvements that will benefit this part of the city. They are designed to improve traffic flow, make journeys more reliable and provide safer, more accessible routes for everyone, whether driving, walking, wheeling, cycling or using public transport.
“With Kingswood continuing to grow, it is important that we plan ahead and ensure the road network is better equipped to meet future demand.”
Together, the schemes at both sites have included the installation of:
- 28 new manholes
- 1,036m of new drainage pipe
- 40 new streetlighting columns
- new attenuation tanks that can hold 326m3 of water
- 3,263m2 of new carriageway
- 3,419m2 of new segregated footway.
It has also seen the removal of 16,452 tonnes of soil and old road surfacing and 6,947 tonnes of new surfacing material.
“We are proud to be working collaboratively with Hull City Council on these schemes,” said Ross Benson, construction director for CR Reynolds Ltd.
“As a local contractor, based in Hessle, we understand how these improvements will significantly enhance the infrastructure and connectivity in and around the Kingswood area.
“The works have also ensured ongoing employment for many local operatives and contractors, reaffirming our commitment to invest in the regional economy and supporting the community we call home.”
The schemes have provided work for 30 local members of staff as well as vital learning and development opportunities for five apprentices looking to establish careers in the construction industry in ground works, engineering and surveying.
The schemes have also helped benefit the local economy through spend within the supply chain and working with sub-contractors.
At the direction of the council, CR Reynolds Ltd is also working with a local school to deliver a project that has been needed for some time as it looks to extend an existing footway within the campus of St Andrew’s School.
Since the start of the works, here’s what has been happening at the Wawne Road/Bude Road roundabout:
- new kerbing around the roundabout has been installed
- road widening works along Bude Road is progressing
- Wawne Road widening works have been completed, with the final surfacing to be completed towards the end of the project
- new traffic islands have been constructed on Wawne Road
- new footways and cycle tracks are taking shape along Wawne Road, towards Holwell Road
- new street lighting has been installed around the roundabout and surrounding roads.
The next steps at this location, include:
- the continuation of the next phase of road widening along Holwell Road southbound, which includes construction of a new splitter island and then switching over to the northbound shortly after
- the continuation of construction of the new footways around Bude Road and Wawne Road
Since the start of works, here’s what has been happening at the Ennerdale roundabout:
- road widening works have progressed along Ennerdale Road, which is now open to all traffic, with new sections of road surface laid
- new footways have been constructed between Littondale and the roundabout and are awaiting final surfacing
- new traffic islands have been built and paved on the Ennerdale approach
- Thomas Clarkson Way widening is nearing completion, with much of the new kerbing installed along Thomas Clarkson Way and near Ennerdale Leisure Centre
- new street lighting has been installed, alongside improvements to roadside drainage
- landscaping and verge reinstatement have progressed along Ennerdale Road and Thomas Clarkson Way.
The next steps in this location, include:
- completing the remaining utility diversion works within the north verge, so improvements can begin on the northern side of the roundabout
- start of kerbing and footway works within the northern verge of the roundabout
- the continuation of construction on new footways and drainage along Ennerdale Road towards the pedestrian crossing
- installation of the remaining tactile paving at crossing points
- the continuation of road surfacing, landscaping and finishing works.
In September, the council confirmed that, due to circumstances outside of its control, a combination of delays to utility diversion works and additional utility requirements had contributed to a cumulative impact on the construction schedule, and the works would now continue until spring 2027.
Councillor Ieronimo said: “Unfortunately, delays involving utility diversions have affected the construction programme, and we fully understand the frustration this has caused residents and motorists.
“We are working closely with our contractor and utility providers to complete the improvements as quickly as possible, while doing everything we reasonably can to minimise further disruption.”
Preparations are underway for the Christmas and New Year period and, wherever possible, and where it is safe to do so, lane closures will be removed to minimise the impact on traffic over the festive period.
Keep up to date on this project by visiting: Kingswood Roundabouts – Travel Hull