Hoole Way Roundabout Traffic Lights To Be Turned Off

The Council says as construction work on Chester’s new bus interchange progresses, some changes to traffic management will be needed in Chester city centre.

From this Sunday (15 November) changes will be made to the road markings and traffic signals so that Hoole Way Roundabout will operate as give way only. All traffic signals, with the exception of pedestrian crossings, will be switched off.

The Hoole Way roundabout connects St Oswalds Way, Brook St/Frodsham Street, Gorse Stacks and Hoole Way.

Following the temporary removal of one lane on the Gorse Stacks side of the roundabout, to allow utilities to be diverted from the site of the new Bus Interchange, it will not be possible to maintain the operation of the signals without roundabout exits becoming blocked. The signals will therefore be turned off.

Councillor Brian Clarke, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Infrastructure, said: “Weather permitting, the Hoole Way traffic signals will be switched off on Sunday, 15 November. Road markings and signage will be altered to indicate to vehicle users that Hoole Way will become a non- signalised roundabout. This means that they should give way to traffic coming from the right and proceed only if the way is clear. Rush hour motorists will notice the difference on Monday morning.”

“With the exception of the nearby pedestrian crossings, the roundabout will operate without signals for the foreseeable future as the new bus interchange continues to take shape at Gorse Stacks.”

The Council added “The new Bus Interchange is a vital enabling project for the proposed Northgate Scheme in Chester city centre which will deliver 40,000 square metres of modern retail accommodation, create over 1000 new jobs and aims to restore Chester’s position in the top rank of UK shopping destinations.”

Chester’s new Bus Interchange is expected to be completed by December 2016 and to open to the public in early 2017.