The main scheme objectives are

• improvement of street aesthetics 
• improvement of footfall, time spent in the street and encouraging of non‐vehicular transport 
• improvement of safety for all users
• reduce congestion at the junction of Port Street and Waterside
• reduce journey delays through the junction of Port Street and Waterside

The works will include

• repaving the footways on Port Street from its junction with Waterside to its junction with Church Street
• reconfiguration of the area near the former Talbot Pub, introducing a more clearly defined route for pedestrians, a better defined bus stop and a new loading bay at the carriageway edge
• reconfiguration of the Waterside/Port Street junction to include updated traffic signal technology, the introduction of a push-button controlled pedestrian crossing across Waterside and increased capacity for vehicles passing through the junction
• upgrade of traffic signal technology at the two existing push-button controlled crossings on Port Street
• upgrade of street lighting to energy efficient LED lamps

When the works will commence

The works started on 14 May 2021 and are programmed to last for up to 24 weeks.

During this period, for the safety of the public and our construction team, it will be necessary to close sections of the carriageway and footways in order to carry out these works. The road will be closed in phased sections which will have different implications for deliveries to businesses. 

Whilst the works are in place, local businesses are able to fully open and are ready to welcome visitors.

The closures are for vehicles only and access for pedestrians, those using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pushchair will be maintained throughout the works.

Cyclists will need to dismount and push their bikes through the areas where work is taking place.

The phasing and estimated duration is summarised below. 

Phase 1: from 14 May 2021 for 3 weeks

Temporary traffic lights will operate on all 4 arms of the Port Street/Waterside Junction with single lane closures in place. Access to all routes will be maintained. Please note that the temporary traffic signals will remain operational throughout Phase 2 and possibly into Phase 3.

Phase 2: from 10 May for 7 weeks 

Port Street will be fully closed in both directions Monday to Friday between 6am and 4pm. The full closure will apply to the full length of Port St from the junction with Waterside to the roundabout adjacent to St Peters Church and Lidl supermarket. Outside of these hours, a one-way closure system will be in place as detailed in phase 3 below. Access for deliveries will be permitted by arrangement. The site team will liaise with businesses as work progresses to help manage the arrangements for deliveries.

Phase 3: from 28 June 2021 for 12 weeks

Port Street will operate under a 24/7 one way closure with traffic able to continue westbound towards the town centre. The street will be closed eastbound from the junction with Waterside until the junction with Church Street. Access to and from the adjoining side streets will be maintained from the one-way closure. Access for deliveries will be possible throughout with space made available in the closed traffic lane for loading and unloading. The site team will advise businesses where the loading points are as works progress.

Open for business

Whilst the works are in place, local businesses are able to fully open and are ready to welcome visitors.

Access for pedestrians, those using a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pushchair will be maintained throughout the works. Cyclists will need to dismount and push their bikes through the areas where work is taking place.

Further information

There will be the need for some night works during the scheme, to allow for surfacing works to take place. More information will be made available about this nearer the time.

All work will be carried out in accordance with the Highway Sector’s Site Operating Procedures with regard to the control of COVID-19. This may impact timings for the works, this page will be updated with any changes, where necessary.