It will also see off-road cycle lanes created and new cycle-optimised junctions installed
A big step has been taken towards Freetown Way returning to two lanes of traffic in both directions with work potentially starting later this year. Detailed design work has now been completed on the scheme, which will also see the creation of off-road cycle lanes, and a contractor is now being sought to carry out the project.
The major Hull city centre road was altered five years ago which saw the cycle lane widened and segregated, while road traffic was reduced to one lane in both directions. However, a Hull City Council survey in 2024 revealed more than 80 per cent of respondents supported the idea of relocating the cycle lanes currently on the road to an off-road location by widening the footway to provide separate areas for cyclists and pedestrians. This plan also includes returning the main carriageway to two lanes of traffic in both directions.
The council is hoping to appoint a contractor to deliver the scheme as soon as possible, with a date of late October planned. The aim is for work to start before the end of the year.
The designs show the footways on both sides of Freetown Way being widened, between Witham and Blundell’s Corner, to accommodate safe, off-road cycle tracks, providing separated areas for both people cycling and pedestrians. It has been confirmed that Freetown Way will also revert to two lanes in each direction on the highway.
Meanwhile, cycle-optimised protected signals (CYCLOPS) junctions are to be installed at Blundell’s Corner and Witham, as well as Freetown Way’s junctions with Wright Street, Charles Street, Caroline Street/Worship Street and George Street. These junctions separate pedestrians and cyclists from other traffic.
They include two movement ‘rings’ with one ‘ring’ of the junction being a cycle path, acting like a roundabout with signal-controlled crossings. This will allow those who cycle to cross over the junction or make right turns unrestricted by cars or foot traffic, creating a safe route to travel.
The other ‘ring’ of the junction is dedicated to pedestrians, with those walking and cycling getting the same green light signal in all directions at the same time, but on a separate ring of paths in the middle of the junction.
The Freetown Way scheme, which is part-funded by an allocation from Active Travel England’s Active Travel Fund (ATF), is one of two active travel initiatives that the council will be delivering in the city, with the other planned for Preston Road.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “As a council, we said we would listen. Our residents told us that they wanted Freetown Way to be turned back to two lanes of traffic and that they wanted more off-road cycling. We’re doing that job.
“This is a significant investment in one of Hull’s busiest routes and is designed to help people travel across the city – whether by bike, by car or on foot. We’d like to thank our residents, businesses and communities for providing feedback and helping us develop a scheme that works for everyone.
“As soon as we have a contractor appointed, we look forward to getting straight to work.”