Motorists to be banned from turning right at major city centre junction
It's part of works on a new cycle route
There are plans to ban motorists from turning right at a major Gloucester city centre junction to make way for a new cycle path which could lead to rat running down nearby streets.
Gloucestershire County Council is in the process of creating a cycle spine from Bishop’s Cleeve to Stroud via Cheltenham and Gloucester.
And work on the next phase is due to start early next year which will link the existing section of the cycle path on London Road with the section being built on Northgate Street.
However, to extend the cycle lanes through to Northgate Street, the road approaching Black Dog Way will be narrowed, which will prohibit right turns.
The traffic flow in the bus lane into Northgate Street will also be reversed, allowing buses to drive out rather than into it.
There is concern among motorists and London Road residents that it could lead to more rat running through Alvin Street, Oxford Street and Denmark Road.
One questioned whether the people behind the plans regularly drive down London Road. While another city resident fears it will be chaotic on Gloucester Rugby match days.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton), who represents the area at Gloucestershire County Council, said, believes overall the plans will benefit both cyclists and pedestrians and enhance safety.
“During last week’s site meeting with the highway officers, I was briefed on the project plans,” he said.
“I found this somewhat late in the design process, as construction is set to begin in January.
“This project addresses the missing link in the London Road section of the cycle spine, which has been the most challenging part to resolve.
“To extend the cycle lanes through to Northgate Street, the road approaching Black Dog Way will be narrowed, which will prohibit right turns.
“Additionally, the traffic flow in the bus lane into Northgate Street will be reversed, allowing buses to drive out rather than into it.
“Overall, I believe these new plans will benefit both cyclists and pedestrians. A new zebra crossing at Great Western Road will enhance safety, and the controlled crossing on London Road will be moved slightly toward the city centre.
“The crossing at Black Dog Way will be considerably safer for both pedestrians and cyclists.
“The prohibition on right turns at the junction should reduce traffic volumes on London Road, as motorists will likely use Estcourt Road as an alternative.”
The County Council is inviting people to an information event about the cycle spine on November 13 from 10am to 6pm at University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus at 30–44 Northgate Street.
They say the latest plans come after feedback gathered from residents during the scheme consultation in summer 2023.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026. We will keep the public informed of all key milestones, including a ‘Meet the Contractor’ event planned for early January.
Sustainable transport and strategic highways cabinet member Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley) said: “We fully recognise the disruption that is caused by the construction of the cycle spine and we want to thank everyone for their patience as we work hard to provide these cycling and walking improvements.
“Please come along to this engagement event and learn more about the plans for the improvements in this part of Gloucester.
“Once this section of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine is completed, it will create a continuous off-road cycling and walking path all the way from Bishop’s Cleeve to the historic Gloucester Docks, as well as reducing delays to bus journeys, and a safer junction.
“We’re committed to making it safer and easier for people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling as part of everyday journeys.”
What’s going to change?
Further details on how traffic and pedestrians will be able to make their way through the area during the works will be shared once the plans are approved.
As part of the scheme, the Black Dog Way junction has been carefully modelled to improve traffic flow and bus journey times.
New dedicated bus traffic signal sequencing will be introduced from Northgate Street to London Road to speed up bus journey times.
To minimise delays at the junction and create sufficient width for cycling under the railway bridge – traffic will no longer be able to turn right out of London Road, except for emergency vehicles.
This change affects a relatively small proportion of all traffic movements exiting London Road and is expected to benefit overall junction performance, especially for buses alongside the time savings and safety benefits for cyclists and pedestrians.
The council will be providing signage to help traffic impacted by the change to find alternatives.
To date, nine miles of the Gloucestershire Cycle Spine have either been completed or are under construction. The Gloucester to Cheltenham route is nearing completion, and the A435 Cheltenham to Bishops Cleeve phase is expected to finish by early 2026.