The aim of the scheme is to improve traffic flows along the Metz Way - Abbeymead Avenue route corridor.
The Abbeymead Avenue and Metz Way corridor is currently used by the Stagecoach Number 8 and 13 bus routes and significant peak period delays are currently experienced by these services due to congestion.
Abbeymead Avenue and Metz Way are local distributor roads for the large residential areas of Abbeymead, Abbeydale and Coney Hill and are on the most direct route into Gloucester city centre for many residents. In fact compared with the rest of Gloucestershire, part of Abbeymead is in the top 5% for 'commuting by car', with over 64% of residents using their private car to commute to work. This is contributing towards the current high peak hour traffic levels.
The Metz Way and Eastern Avenue Junction is a key part of Gloucester’s road network, connecting Abbeymead to the A38, one of the county’s principal roads. The scheme will include carriageway widening and applying the latest technology to the traffic signals at this junction.
The corridor improvements will help reduce peak period journey times, improve bus service reliability, potentially increase the proportion of cycle and public transport users and also encourage sustainable travel.
Where reasonably practicable, works will be done off-peak (9:30am - 3:30pm), limiting the impact on traffic flow at the busiest times of the day. To carry out the works safely it will also be necessary to have some night closures (specific dates will become available nearer the time). Access will be maintained for residents and businesses; there will be diversion routes in place, but if you have specific access requirements, please contact us in advance.
The overall scheme objectives are as follows:
- Improve link between Coopers Edge and Gloucester City Centre
- Improve local junctions on the route
- Provide better opportunities for shift from car use to walking, cycling and public transport
The scheme will:
- Reduce traffic queues and congestion
- Improve bus journey times
- Apply latest technology to existing traffic signals
- Improve cycling facilities
- Upgrade existing pedestrian crossings
