A new programme of highway and infrastructure improvements is set to be introduced if approved by city council cabinet members at a meeting on 13 July.
The Local Transport Plan Capital Programme, to be delivered between 2021/22 and 2023/24, has been developed by the city council to power up Stoke-on-Trent through a range of developments from major junction improvement schemes to cycling and walking. The schemes will support the thriving local economy by reducing congestion and improving the road network for businesses, commuters, freight and public transport.
Plans include improvements to the Etruria Road / New Century Street / Potteries Way junction. This will provide two right turn lanes from Etruria Road towards Potteries Way, reducing queues on Etruria road.
Bus passengers will benefit from improvements to public transport in Longton town centre. A review of bus and other vehicle movements will improve bus journey times as well as making the town centre more pedestrian friendly for shoppers and visitors.
As part of the work to encourage safe, sustainable transport, a programme of cycling schemes is also planned. This will encourage greater use of cycling as an alternative to car use and improve safety for cyclists in the city. Improvement schemes will be carried out to improve both cycling and walking routes to the Etruria Valley, Festival Park Trentham Lakes Business Park and Chatterley Valley Business Park.
Other improvements include:
- Leek New Road junction improvements
- Improvements to the road system at Festival Park
- Disabled access measures such as dropped kerbs and tactile paving
Conservative Cllr Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for regeneration, infrastructure and heritage, said: “We are investing millions into the city’s highways and transport system and are committed to improving public transport and sustainable travel in the city.
“The schemes outlined in the Local Transport Plan will address issues that are important to local communities such as road safety, public transport, walking and cycling routes and maintaining the existing road network.
“This comes at a critical time as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and power up Stoke-on-Trent for years to come. It will support the local economy – which is already recovering incredibly well from the pandemic – through reducing congestion and improving the road network.”
