Black Dog Way/London Road Cycleway
Project Overview
The Black Dog Way junction and London Road connection is a vital infrastructure upgrade that links the Gloucester City Centre Spine with existing cycle routes along London Road. This strategic connection will improve accessibility and promote active travel across central Gloucester, making it easier for people to walk, cycle, and use public transport.
This project brings together several key areas of Gloucester in a way that makes everyday journeys easier and more pleasant. Whether you are heading to the shops on High Street or Gloucester Quays, visiting The Forum or King's Quarter or commuting to the railway station or hospital, the new cycleway helps you get there more safely and efficiently. It’s all about making Gloucester more connected and accessible for everyone.
Infrastructure Enhancements
Cycling
Paths are clearly separated from both pedestrian and vehicle lanes where possible, helping to reduce conflict and make cycling more enjoyable. Junctions are shaped to naturally slow cyclists near crossings and turns, especially in busy pedestrian areas.
Pedestrians
Using sensors to detect movement and adjust signal timings helps slower or vulnerable users cross safely. In tighter spaces, like under the railway viaduct, pedestrian and cycle movements are separated to avoid confusion. Barriers are being upgraded to guide safe movement, and unnecessary street furniture is being removed to improve visibility and reduce trip hazards.
Traffic Flow
The updated junction layout is expected to operate within capacity and reduce delays for key movements. To keep things moving smoothly, the right turn from London Road onto Black Dog Way will be removed. This change helps prioritise buses and emergency vehicles.
Public Transport
To improve bus flow, the Northgate Street bus gate will be reversed. The bus stop currently located outside the petrol station will be relocated to a safer and more accessible spot. A dedicated bus signal at the junction will give buses priority, helping to ease congestion and keep public transport running efficiently.
Emergency Services
Emergency vehicles will benefit from splay kerbs that allow other vehicles to move aside quickly. The junction design changes, including the bus gate reversal and turn restrictions, will help keep routes clear and reduce response times.
Benefits
- Dedicated cycle paths will connect the city centre with existing infrastructure along London Road, encouraging more people to cycle.
- The route will link key destinations such as schools, shops, healthcare facilities, and transport hubs.
- Increased cycling and walking will reduce car use, leading to lower emissions and better air quality.
- The project supports sustainable transport choices and contributes to a healthier, more connected Gloucester.
Scheme drawings
Great Western Road and London Road
You Said We Did
During the consultation carried out in summer 2023, several points were raised by the public. These included potential traffic congestion, access to nearby businesses, the reliability of bus services, and the movement of emergency vehicles. Feedback also highlighted reservations about the proposed removal of the bus stop near the filling station, as well as perceptions that the cycle improvements may primarily benefit a limited number of users.
In response, we commissioned independent traffic modelling and revised the design to include changes such as reversing the Northgate Street bus gate, relocating the bus stop, and adjusting junction geometry.
Click here to be directed to our You Said We Did page.
You Said We Did Event
The You Said, We Did event took place on 13 November 2025 at the University of Gloucestershire City Campus on Kings Square. Posters shared during the event can be viewed here.
Once a contractor is appointed, a Meet the Contractor event will be held in December 2025, ahead of construction starting in January 2026. Full details will be published shortly. The event will focus on traffic management arrangements and the sequence of works.